Kumasi Asante Kotoko will play relegation threatened Legon Cities this evening for what it meant to be one of the top-liner this weekend in the Ghana Premier League.Having lost 0-2 to league leaders Medeama SC at Obuasi Len Clay Sports Stadium in match day 21, Asante Kotoko will be heading into the game very determined hoping to pick up the maximum to maintain their position in the top 4.
They face a rejuvenated Legon Cities side who are bent on avoiding the drop with some strategic additions to their team for the second half of the season.
Coach Barreto is expected to make some changes in the team that lost to Medeama last week in Obuasi. He will probably opt for the 4-3-3 formation.
The defensive set up may be the usual Samuel Frimpong, Abdul Ganiu Ismail, Yusif Mubarik and Ibrahim Imoro with Razak Abalora operating in between the sticks for the Porcupines.
Kwame Adom Frimpong might replace Habib Mohammed as the central midfielder with Mudasiru Salifu who comes back into the team after suspension due to accumulated cards and Fabio Gama completing the midfield.
Captain Emmanuel Gyamfi, Andy Kumi Francis and Augustine Okra completing the attacking three.
Asante Kotoko dropped to seconded position on the league table after losing to Medeama SC.
However, lets us have a look at how Mariano Barreto might set his Kotoko side up against Bashir Hayford’s Legon Cities.
Razak Abalora (GK) – He will continue to operate in between the sticks for Kotoko even though he conceded two goals in their game against Medeama. The former Azam Fc shot-stopper has secured some clean sheets for Kotoko in recent times, and he would be hoping for more of the same in today’s game. He is Kotoko’s undisputed number and has been excellent all season and will certainly play a big part in their game against the Royals.
Samuel Frimpong (RB) – He has gradually taken over the right back spot due to his improved performance lately under coach Barreto and he is likely to start at that position in this afternoon’s clash. Has entered the frame remarkably well and has looked composed, solid and effective in all the games he has featured in under Barreto.
Abdul Ganiu Ismail (CB) – The defender has stepped up massively this term and has proven how reliable he can be in the big moments.He is expected to play at the heart of defense for Kotoko against Legon Cities. His pair with Mubarik Yusif has been brilliant defensively this season for Kotoko. Both defenders complement each other’s qualities and have done well in the games they have played this season.
Mubarak Yussif (CB) – Similarly, Yussif has impressed when given his opportunities, despite having a difficult start to his Kotoko career. He has formed an impregnable partnership with Ganiu and are arguably the best centre-back pair in the league.
Ibrahim Imoro (LB) – Imoro could be key in unlocking a likely resilient Cities’ side with his attacking qualities, but must be defensively tuned against such a potent attack. He will fill in on the other flanks, as the left-back. Up against the dangerous attack of Legon Cities, the diminutive full-back will be expected to stay compact and keep their shape at the back.
Kwame Adom Frimpong (DM) – Has had a torrid time with injury but can be fantastic on his day. He must make good use of the opportunity if he is to start on Saturday.
Mudasiru Salifu (CM)- After coming back from injury, He has been very fantastic in midfield for Kotoko and he might continue to play in the central midfield role this afternoon. Mudasiru is one of the Kotoko’s most influential players with his play on and off the ball. Kotoko don’t look the same without him in midfield against Medeama.
Fabio Gama (AM) – After missing out in the game against Olympics due to Olympics due to accumulated cards, his performance Medeama was not encouraging and as such must lift up his game against the Royals this afternoon. He will maintain his position as an attacking Midfieder. The Brazilian maestro looked leggy in the Medeama game. He is Kotoko’s magic man, though, and if anyone can turn a game on its head from nothing, it’s Gama.
Emmanuel Gyamfi (RW) – He is expected to operate from the right side of the midfield.He has struggled for form this season but could still wreak havoc on his day. He scored his first goal of the season last weekend and that will surely boost his confidence going into Saturday’s clash.
Andy Kumi Francis (ST) – He has scored two goals in his two appearances for Kotoko and seems to be playing with confidence at the moment. He might lead the attack for kotoko in this afternoon’s game. Kumi’s presence inside the box gives Kotoko a continuous goal threat and adds another dimension to their attack.
Augustine Okrah (LW) – The magic man is expected to operate from the left wing for kotoko. He has been playing very well since the arrival of Barreto and he is expected to help the porcupines secure the maximum points. The man Legon Cities’ defenders should be having kittens about. He has been at his electrifying best under Barreto and could be about to collect some more ankles for fun.
Predicted Kotoko starting IX against Legon Cities:
Razak Abalora
Samuel Frimpong
Imoro Ibrahim
Abdul Ganiu Ismail
Yusif Mubarik
Kwame Adom Frimpong
Mudasiru Salifu
Fabio Gama
Emmanuel Gyamfi (c)
Andy Francis Kumi
Augustine Okrah
