Kotoko Under Pressure

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AFTER AN impressive 1-0 victory over El-Merreikh last Sunday at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi in this year's Africa Confederation Cup, Kumasi Asante Kotoko will today turn their attention to the Glo Top 4 tournament , as they battle Heart of Lions at the same venue.

Kotoko, who lost to Liberty Professionals a week ago in Accra, will seriously be under pressure to avoid a second defeat.

Coach Bashiru Hayford would try to justify his statement in Accra after the defeat. The Kotoko coach had said he paraded players who were not being given playing time against Liberty Professionals; hence the defeat.

Kpando Heart of Lions last met Kotoko during the President's Cup and both teams drew 2-2 in regulation time, but because the organizers of the competition needed a winner, it was the Porcupine Warriors who won on penalties.

Coming from a fearsome duel just three days ago, Asante Kotoko will probably not find things easy against the Lions who appear to have rested enough after their game against Berekum Arsenals in the second round of the Glo Top 4 last week in Kumasi.

But whatever happens, the teaming followers of the Kumapim Boys, and indeed all officials of the club will expect a great performance from Asante Kotoko, regarded as the leading club in the country today.

Meanwhile, a clash at the Ohene Djan Stadium this afternoon between the group leaders, Liberty Professionals and Berekum Arsenals ,will be that of class, as the Dansoman boys would like to consolidate their lead, while Arsenals would also like to win to be in the race for the trophy at stake.

Liberty's last victory over Asante Kotoko will inspire the team to overcome Arsenals who had held the Lions to a goalless drawn game in Kumasi earlier on.

By Pierre Toto