Otumfuo Cup: Kotoko Out To Stop ASEC, Toure Threat

Former striker of Kumasi Asante Kotoko, Ahmed Simba Toure, will be out to haunt his former club when ASEC clash with Kotoko for the coveted Otumfuo Cup on Sunday at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

Toure, a former leading marksman of the Porcupine Warriors, returns to familiar grounds where he was a former cult figure during two different stints with Kotoko, but on Sunday he will turn the gun against the home side as he stars for ASEC Mimosas in a commemorative match to celebrate the 20th anniversary Otumfuo Osei Tutu II as the Asantehene.

Toure, who first featured for Kotoko in 2007/08 season and returned to Kumasi for another spell in the 2011/12 season, is expected to lead the Ivorian side’s attack on Sunday and he will be motivated to prove a point against his former employers.

The 31-year old Burkinabe, who ranks among the most successful foreign players to ply their trade with the Porcupine Warriors in recent years, was adored by fans of Kotoko during his time with the club. He is currently enjoying a fine run of form and comes into Sunday’s game having scored 10 goals for the Ivorian giants this season and will, likely, be a threat to the Kotoko defence.

Toure’s presence in the ASEC strip adds to the long-standing rivalry between the two sides with Kotoko bent on ensuring they stamp their authority on the game and avoid an anti-climax to the celebration of the club’s owner’s ascension to the Golden Stool.

Kotoko have been enjoying a good run since Coach Charles Akonnor took charge of the club seven months ago. Sunday’s encounter represents another chance for the Porcupine Warriors to build on their recent successes and also win an important trophy.

Akonnor is expected to keep faith in his leading marksman Abdul Fatawu, who has been in fine scoring form in the Special Competition, with support from Felix Annan, Augustine Sefah, Abdul Ganiyu and Emmanuel Gyamfi.

Sponsored by communication giants MTN, the match will have a royal touch as the Ashanti monarch will be in attendance to perform the inspection of teams and the ceremonial kick off for the match at 3:00pm.

According to the organisers, Primeval Media, the match will attract GH¢10 for the Popular Stand, Gh¢20 for Centre Line and GH¢50 for tickets to the VIP stand.