Asante Kotoko finds themselves in a challenging position as they remain winless in their last two games. Following a goalless draw against Heart of Lions and a disappointing 2-1 loss to Bibiani Gold Stars at DUN's Park last weekend, the former champions are desperately seeking a win to get their season back on track.
Dr. Prosper Narteh-Ogum, the Premier League-winning coach, has returned to the club with high expectations. However, he has yet to make a significant impact this time around.
In his previous stint in 2022, Dr. Ogum led the Porcupine Warriors to a historic 24th League title, accumulating 67 points and finishing nine points ahead of reigning champions Medeama SC, who secured the second position.
Asante Kotoko has had a mixed record in their recent meetings at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, with one win and two draws against Karela United. Their last victory against Karela United dates back to the 2020/21 season when they triumphed 2-1 in Kumasi.
To bolster their squad after losing the League title to Medeama SC last season, Asante Kotoko made several acquisitions. Players like Henry Ansu, Kalou Ouattara, Nana Banyin Amoah, Yayaha Dawuni, Andrews Ntim, and Samuel Asamoah have joined the Reds.
In their recent match, Sheriff Mohammed connected beautifully to level the score in the second half, but Eric Bosomtwi's 74th-minute strike condemned them to a 2-1 loss against Gold Stars.
Karela United, on the other hand, lost their League opener 2-1 to Legon Cities but bounced back impressively with a 3-1 victory over Berekum Chelsea at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium.
Under the management of Shaibu Ibrahim Tanko, Karela has strengthened their squad with former Asante Kotoko duo Maxwell Agyemang and Evans Adomako, both of whom made significant contributions in the game against Berekum Chelsea.
Fatawu Mohammed, Abdul Kharim Ayeh, George Amanoo, Samuel Arthur, and Maxwell Arthur are all available for selection.
Asante Kotoko's struggles extend to their home turf, with five consecutive draws in their last five home games.
However, they have some key players returning to the lineup, including Richmond Lamptey and Justice Blay, who missed the first two games due to injury.
Serge Eric Zeze, Enock Morisson, Henry Ansu, Andrews Ntim, and Augustine Agyapong are all potential starters for Asante Kotoko.
The upcoming clash between Asante Kotoko and Karela United promises to be a thrilling encounter. Fans can catch the action live on StarTimes Adepa channel 247 at 6 pm on Sunday, September 1, 2023.
In another exciting match in Accra, Great Olympics will host Bibiani Gold Stars at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Great Olympics are among the four clubs that remain unbeaten after two rounds of games, with back-to-back draws against Bofoakwa Tano and Heart of Lions.
Gold Stars have recorded one win and one loss so far but are known for being a tough opponent. Great Olympics has scored four goals and conceded two at home.
Key players like Samuel Ashie Quaye, Ebenezer Sekyere, Solomon Adomako, Kekeli Attor, Christopher Nettey, Mathew Agama, and Emmanuel Akesseh will be in action for Great Olympics, while Gold Stars will rely on the likes of Emmanuel Odai, Yahaya Adraman, Yakubu Haqq, Micheal Enu, Appiah McCarthy, Alex Aso, and Prince Kwabena Owusu.
Elsewhere in Accra, Legon Cities will face Aduana FC at the El-wak stadium, while FC Samartex 1996 will square off against Bechem United at the Nsenkyire Sports Complex. FC Samartex suffered a defeat in week two against Nations at Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex but managed a 1-0 win against Aduana FC in week one.
The Hunters, Bechem United, lost their opening game against Nsoatreman FC but rebounded with a 1-0 victory over Dreams FC.
Lastly, on Sunday, Real Tamale United will take on the undefeated Heart of Lions at the Aliu Mahama Stadium in Tamale.
The returnees, Heart of Lions, have yet to concede a goal in the league and are also struggling to find the back of the net after two goalless draws against Asante Kotoko and Accra Great Olympics.
Players like Ebenezer Abban, Dickson Sakabutu, Prince Anim, Mustapha Yabuku, and Mustapha Yakubu have been outstanding for Fatawu Salifu in their debut season, while Mohammed Alhassan Mankuyeli, Hafiz Adams, Faisal Gariba, Lord Hilary Adabo, Iddrisu Gadafi, and Ahmed Issah aim to secure all three points for Real Tamale United on their home turf.
Comments