Cape Town thriller: Kotoko, Santos clash

Kumasi Asante Kotoko face a high mountain to climb in the South African city of Cape Town on Saturday evening when they face local side, Santos. Kotoko are now the lone ranger from Ghana in continental competition following the elimination of Accra Hearts of Oak and Goldfields from their respective events.

That feeling of loneliness in Africa seems to have fuelled their resolve to make the best out of their continental adventure after an impressive start against Angolan side, Athletico Sonangol. The 4-2 aggregate victory over Sonangol would be put to a bigger test by Santos who are on the threshold of history in South African football. The 'People's Team' has almost clinched the South African Premier League title and an impressive Cup Winners Cup campaign would be the springboard for a Champions League debut for them next year.

Kotoko are old horses in African football with a pedigree that can be matched by just a few sides. But after years of underachievement they are picking up the pieces, and the continental campaign is also the launching pad they need for brighter years ahead. They have also shown tremendous improvement lately but against Santos the Porcupine Warriors face a side whose performance this season is frightening, to say the least.

In fact, the entire Kotoko team can attest to Santos' current form after watching them defeat AmaZulu last Tuesday. And for a side that has played 32 league games so far, they look more tested and battle-ready. Kotoko's strength lies in a rock-solid defence and an attack that is beginning to show some bite. But they will encounter a side that has lost just four league games and scored 45 goals, and led in attack by Bafana Bafana striker Bradley August.

Santos' coach, Gordon Igesund, is very hopeful of a good result at the Greenpoint Stadium. "Obviously with the league now ours, we can concentrate on our continental competition. Fortunately, I know Kotoko well," Igesund told the local media on Thursday.

But Kotoko's coach, Ernst Middendorp, is also leaving nothing to chance. He has intimated that he expects their worst performance to be a draw. That confidence comes from a position of strength, having held Sonangol to a 2-2 draw away. And with experience from the Vodacom challenge Cup last year, the Kotoko players must be accustomed to South African style of football. And given the rivalry between Ghana and the Rainbow nation, it becomes even more important for Kotoko not to drop their guards. On current form they are capable of holding their own against Santos.