Kotoko: One Win Away From League Title

Tomorrow will mark another step closer to the finishing line of the Kinapharma Premier League when action returns to eight venues after three weeks break.
And as the 16 clubs trace their steps to their respective match venues, their countenance will be informed by the potential fate that awaits each of them when the final bell tolls.
That thought offers great motivation to league leaders, Asante Kotoko who remain seven points clear of champions Hearts of Oak at the top of the table and play King Faisal in a gruelling derby at Kumasi.
By far the clash qualifies for the 'match of the week' tag for reasons fetched far beyond the srength of each side.
Following the carpet-crossing of Faisal President, Herbert Mensah, from Kotoko early this year, the rivalry between the two sides has reached new heights. The crave for victory over the side he once presided over aside, Mr Mensah and Faisal will not be amused if the club fails to triumph over Kotoko.
If that happens, Faisal would succeed to achieve a double over their opponents. With three matches to go, Kotoko lie comfortably at the apex of the standing and need just another win to seal the title.
A defeat by Faisal, although would not jeopardise Kotoko's dream, could delay the Porcupine Warriors' coronation to the high throne of champion club.
Kotoko won the first round tie 1-0 when Faisal didn't seem to have settled into the big name status they were supposed to belong. But Faisal have matured now, with their forward Kwadwo Poku, also formerly of Kotoko, in strong contention for the goalking title.
Indeed, the Poku factor will be a strong determinant of the possible direction of victory. Whenever he found his rhythm, Poku's maurauding instincts tore apart the tightest defensive networks and created room for colleagues Abubakar Yahuza, Owusu Ansah, Godwin Ablordey and Hamza Mohammed to find target.
In tomorrow's match, however, he will find strong opposition in the Kotoko defence likely to be formed around Aziz Ansah, Godfred Yeboah, Dan Yeboah and Dan Acquah while Michael Osei, Nana Arhin-Duah, Frank Osei and Edmund Owusu Ansah provide punch upfront. In Accra, Hearts of Oak return to base from their three-match suspension to engage RTU.
With their garb as champions virtually pulled away, Hearts have their reputation and unbeaten run to protect and are highly favoured to pluck victory with ease.
In other matches, Heart of Lions play Stay Cool Professionals at Kpando; Arsenals versus B. A. United at Berekum; Power FC welcome Okwawu United to Koforidua; Mine Stars engage Great Olympics at Prestea; Goldfields travel to Sunyani to face Bofoakwa, while Liberty Professionals and Hasaacas clash in Accra today.