Asante Kotoko fans hope their players and coach David Duncan have learned lessons from their early season slump in form as the Red army are caught up in the relegation struggle after four games.
The Porcupine Warriors have picked just two points from a maximum of 12 and are hoping to turn around their campaign on Friday when they welcome Hasaacas to the Baba Yara Stadium in a 18:00GMT kick off fixture.
Much was expected from Kotoko and Duncan after a busy off-season recruitment which sounded out their intent of reclaiming the title won two seasons ago. Though early days, the past four weeks of the campaign has been one of despondency rather than conviction.
However, Duncan, who is under pressure for their poor run of results is hopeful of turning around the corner beginning with the game against the ‘Western Show Boys’ who have shipped in 10 goals so far.
“I am not a pessimist,” Duncan said. “I know we will turn the corner. I have never had the experience of going into a good which spelt doom.”
Kotoko are in danger of remaining in the bottom three on the log if they fail to win but Duncan believes the support of the Kotoko fans is crucial as he bids to hang on and save their campaign.
“Some of them send us messages encouraging us and very soon, will turn their mourning into dancing.”
Hasaacas have struggled against Kotoko in previous meetings and don’t appear to be in a best of shapes considering their vulnerability at the back.
Coach Yusif Basigi will be expected to fix his leaky defence to deny Kotoko a first win but the most important input he can have on the game is to motivate his side against a Kotoko team who are equally susceptible under pressure.
Champions, AshantiGold will on Saturday host Aduana Stars at the Len Clay Stadium. The Miners, after their exit from the CAF Champions League will now be expected to focus on their title defence.
Aduana, following a slow start appear to have recovered after picking their first win last weekend. A trip to Obuasi might not be the ideal moment for the Dormaa side to continue their form.
Six games will come off on Sunday to wrap up match-day-5 fixtures with leaders Hearts of Oak away to Inter Allies at the Tema Stadium. The Tema side will be eager to wreck the unbeaten form of the Phobians, who have made a bright start under Japanese coach Kenichi Yasuhachi.
Impressive Wa All Stars will be at home to New Edubiase as they bid to keep the pressure at the top.
Debutants Dereams F.C will e aiming to keep their fairytale start going when they travel to the Brong Ahafo region as guest of Techiman City.
Free scoring WAFA have another opportunity to test their armour at home in Sogakope against Liberty Professionals.
Bechem United take on second-from-bottom, Ebusua Dwarfs at home.