League leaders Asante Kotoko face a tricky test Friday afternoon on match day three of the Ghana Premier League against Bibiani Gold Stars.
The Porcupine Warriors who have an unbeaten record in the opening two games of the season will square off against a side that got their season off to a flying start following a 1-0 win against Berekum Chelsea at home.
Only Asante Kotoko and King Faisal are yet to drop points in the league after two games and that invincibility will be put to test at Bibiani on Friday.
Asante Kotoko have bagged six points, scored five goals and conceded one having begun the season with a 3-1 win over Dreams FC and a 2-0 win against Bechem United.
Coach Prosper Ogum and his men have ensured that matches are not over until the blast of the final whistle – a character that has ensue their first two matches. Asante Kotoko came from behind to score three late goals against Dreams FC beginning from the 86th minute and continued that run against Bechem United with two late goals from Ismail Ganiyu (84th) and Emmanuel Boateng (91st) to ensure victory. The twenty-three time Ghanaian champions will be without Captain Abdul Ismail Ganiyu who is on International duty with the Black Stars. Youngster Andrews Appau is expected to partner Yussif Mubarik in central defence.
With the likes of Fabio Gama, Mudasiru Salifu, Richmond Lamptey, Isaac Oppong and Patrick Asmah delivering some wonderful football for the club, fans can expect a beautiful spectacle against Gold Stars.
Bibinai Gold Stars are unbeaten with four points from a possible six in their first season in top-flight football. They are the only newly-promoted side who haven’t tasted defeat after two round of games.
They opened their campaign with a 1-0 win over champions Berekum Chelsea at home and snatched a late draw in Tarkwa against Medeama on Tuesday. However, their unbeaten start to the season is under threat as they face a more resilient and formidable side in Asante Kotoko.
Coach Michael Osei is beaming with loads of confidence heading into the game following a very strong home record in the second tier where they went the full haul of last season without defeat. Michael Osei, a Kotoko legend wants to make history with his young squad by becoming the first side to stop the Porcupine Warriors in the Premier League.
POSSIBLE XI (Gold Stars): Yaw Ansah, Kwaku Duah, Emmanuel Odai, Charlse Gyamfi, Isaac Baadu, Michael Enu, Richard Amoah, Andrews Cobbinah, Kingsford Boafo, Nuhu Sule, Yakubu Haqq
POSSIBLE XI (Asante Kotoko): Razak Abalora, Christopher Nettey, Patrick Asmah, Yussif Mubarik, Andrews Appau, Salifu Mudasiru, Richmon Lamptey, Fabio Gama, Stephen Amankona, Joseph Amoako, Samuel Boateng
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Isaac Oppong (Asante Kotoko): Even though the young forward has not been a starter for the Porcupine Warriors, Oppong is one of person who may have to keep an eye on in the game today. The 18 year old has three goal contributions in the just two games this season. Oppong scored a goal and registered two assist for Kotoko against Dreams FC despite coming on as a substitute. Isaac Oppong has quick feet and ability to dribble past players. He also won a penalty for Kotoko in the home game against Bechem United.
Prince K. Owusu (Gold Stars): The forward enjoys dropping deep to involve himself in the build-up just as much as she likes putting the ball in the back of the net. Despite not scoring in the season so far, Owusu however is also lethal in front of goal. Prince Kwabena Owusu emerged as the top scorer of the zone two of the 2020/2021 Division One League.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: MAXWELL HANSON
Assitants: ATO YAWSON & ABDULAI ABDUL-SALAM
4th Referee: ALI MUSAH
Match Commissioner: MOHAMMED ALHASSAN
Venue Media Officer: SETH ADJE
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/ Abel Frimps Jr
