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13.06.2008 Football News

It’s Payback Time For Kotoko

By Daily Graphic
Its Payback Time For Kotoko
13.06.2008 LISTEN

With six match days to wrap up the season, some teams would attempt settling old scores. First of these is Kotoko who will be looking to pay Ashantigold back at the Baba Yara Stadium tomorrow afternoon for beating them 1-0 in the first round.

Kotoko, who are enjoying a nine-point lead at the top of the table, recorded one of their only two losses this season to Ashantigold at the Golden City stadium at Berekum following a home ban slapped on Ashgold.
 

The soccer miners go into this game with a new Technical Head, Mohammed Gargo, who shoulders the challenge of beating Coach Bashir Hayford to it a second time.

One player the Kotoko lads will be missing is their dangerous striker, Eric Bekoe, who is away on national duty in Gabon. But they need not worry too much as the likes of Francis Akwafo, Francis Cofie and Osei Kuffour could be relied on to give the Ashantigold defence moments to worry about.

Though they will be playing before an unfriendly away crowd, Ashantigold have confidence stemming from their conquest of the Porcupine Warriors at Berekum. So this game could go either way considering the strengths of both sides.

Another tough clash is expected as second-placed Heart of Lions welcome Liberty Professionals to their Kpando Stadium. One thing that fans could be assured of is the display of quality football since it has been the hallmark of both sides this season.

Lions could have been described as invincible at home but for their 1-2 loss to Kotoko at the Ohene Djan stadium which served as their home base. So Liberty could exploit this possible home vulnerability of Lions to their advantage.

Liberty, who lie two points shy of Lions, could also use this game to close the gap between them or reclaim their second position.

It is surely a rough period for Accra Hearts of Oak who, after bowing 2-3 to Tema Youth, will welcome Kessben FC to the Ohene Djan Stadium. The Phobians need a five-star performance that will restore the confidence of their embittered fans.

For Kessben, this has been a good maiden appearance in the Onetouch Premiership, and the fact that they have not tasted defeat in their last three matches leaves a big work load for the Phobians.

After the disappointing 0-1 loss to Liberty Professionals last Wednesday, Arsenals return to their stronghold of Berekum to play King Faisal.

At the Tamale Stadium, troubled Hasaacas will attempt lifting themselves from the relegation zone when they meet RTU. The latter's recent vulnerability in Tamale could be a morale booster for the Hasmal lads.

Coach Opeele's Tema Youth who earned bragging rights after defeating Hearts will welcome All Blacks to the Tema Stadium.

Table trailers, Great Olympics will also seek to overturn their rapid decline when they play Zaytuna FC at the El-Wak Stadium. And at the Wa Stadium, All Stars will face Real Sportive.

Preview by Nathaniel Attoh

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