Faisal scare for Asante Kotoko in derby clash

Accra, April 7, GNA - High-flying Kumasi Asante Kotoko will face yet again another tough test in their recovery in a derby clash against city rivals King Faisal this weekend at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Kumasi.

The Kumasi derby easily qualifies for the top-liner of the Week 23 matches of the Glo Premier League considering the intense rivalry amongst the two teams.

Faisal have carved a niche for themselves as a bogey side of the Porcupine Warriors since joining the elite division over a decade ago, and this weekend's clash is expected to follow tradition.

The second round of the League has witnessed an improved Kotoko, with their lone goal loss over leaders Berekum Chelsea serving the only dark spot in their renaissance.

With victories over bitterest rivals Accra Hearts of Oak in the last league encounter, the Porcupine Warriors appear poised to avenge the 2-3 loss inflicted on them by their city rivals in their second meeting of the season.

Buoyed by the enthralling 11-10 penalties win over reigning champions Aduana Stars last Wednesday in the round of 16 clash of the MTN FA Cup, Kotoko have already sent the warning signals to their rivals.

The double over the league champions obviously put coach Bogdan Korak and his charges in the best of shapes to crash yet another hard nut in Faisal who need the points badly to boost their surge on the league table.

Form guide has played no major role in the derby clash, but variant options in attack for Kotoko in the likes of Cote d'Ivoire-import Ahmed Toure, Alex Asamoah, Nafiu Iddrisu and leading scorer Nathaniel Asamoah gives them a narrow edge. However trust the ability of the likes of Faisal captain Awudu Nafiu, Ransford Kwakye, Samuel Adadey, Thomas Avorgbedor and Abdul Wahab Yaya to put the brakes on them to secure the points they so badly need.

The next centre of attraction will be at the Wa Stadium where home side All Stars host struggling Accra Hearts of Oak. The hosts have proved impregnable at home whilst the recent output of Hearts appears far less convincing to push them to their likely second loss of the season.

The likely return of Black Stars midfielder Laryea Kingston to the Phobians fold gives them enough option in midfield and attack, an area they have remained underutilized all season.

Leaders Berekum Chelsea host rising force New Edubiase at the Golden City Park whilst Ebusua Dwarfs engage Aduana Stars at the Robert Mensah Stadium, Cape Coast.

Obuasi Ashantigold will be looking for a consolation following their continental exit when they face off against Kpando Heart of Lions at the Len Clay Stadium, Obuasi with debutants Mighty Jets seeking to restore their fortunes against Arsenal at the Akosombo Park.

At the Carl Reindorf Park in Dansoman, Liberty Professionals will be at home to visiting struggling Real Tamale United (RTU) who might try to seek for at least a point whilst BA Stars face Medeama SC at the Sunyani Coronation Park in an uncompromising encounter.