Faisal to test Kotoko in local derby

Accra, Oct. 21, GNA - Kumasi Asante Kotoko will face their toughest test of the season when they lock horns with city rivals King Faisal in their Glo Premier League week eight clash on Sunday at the Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi.

King Faisal have carved a niche for themselves as a bogey club of the Porcupine Warriors since joining the elite division over a decade ago and this weekend's encounter is largely expected to follow suit. Irrespective of their form, Faisal has always served a hard nut for Kotoko to crack and despite languishing a place above the depth of the standings; the Porcupine Warriors will still be in for their biggest test yet.

Faisal have so far managed just a solitary win in the seven-week old premiership largely due to the fact that they have some key players including central defender Daniel Addo, striker Frank Acheampong and speedster Enoch Ebo Andoh, all expressing the desire to seek for fresh challenges outside Kumasi.

The trio were instrumental when Faisal licked Kotoko by a lone goal in their last meeting at the same venue and their absence is widely expected to affect the chances of the Alhaji Gruzah boys. Their off-colour performance has led to the sacking of Serbian tactician Moncilo Medic after only six games in charge, with former Hasaacas trainer Henry Wellington taking over in a stop-gap role. With a new breeze of life within their camp, Kotoko's coach Ebo Mends and his charges cannot afford to slip against their city rivals after failing to record convincing wins at the Baba Yara Stadium. Kotoko occupy the third spot but have yet to produce their noted output with striker Alex Asamoah serving as the main savior on a couple of occasions.

The next centre of attraction will be at the Nana Gyamfi Park in Bekwai where New Edubiase will battle it out against Bechem Chelsea. New Edubiase appear to have settled much better this time after escaping relegation by the skin of their teeth last season, but will face difficult test in Chelsea, nicknamed the 'Galiticos of the local league.'

It is for nothing that Chelsea are joint-leaders with Kessben with the likes of Bismark Idan, Obed Owusu, Emmanuel Clottey and Emmanuel Banahene amongst others who have lived up to the billing. Leaders Kessben FC are favoured to pick the maximum points against BA Stars at the Essipong Stadium, Sekondi whilst defending champions Aduana Stars look set to send Cape Coast Ebusua Dwarfs back to their base empty in their clash at the Dormaa Park.

Kpando Heart of Lions will engage Obuasi Ashantigold at the Kpando Park in a match of equals, whilst Berekum Arsenal look poised to worsen the woes of debutants Tudu Mighty Jets at the Berekum Golden City Park. Dansoman Liberty Professionals will be looking forward to steal a point against Real Tamale United (RTU) at the Tamale Stadium following the 'Pride of the North's poor performance of late even on their home soil.