Asante Kotoko finds themselves without a win in their last two games, following a goalless draw against Heart of Lions and a 2-1 loss to Bibiani Gold Stars at DUN’s Park last weekend.
The former champions are now desperate for a victory to get their season back on track.
Dr. Prosper Narteh-Ogum, who led the club to a record 24th league title in 2022 with 67 points, is back at the helm with high expectations. However, his second stint with the club hasn’t started as strongly as the first.
In the last three meetings at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Asante Kotoko has won once and drawn twice against Karela United. Their last victory against Karela United dates back to the 2020/21 season when they won 2-1 in Kumasi.
To strengthen the squad after losing the league title to Medeama SC last season, Asante Kotoko has made several acquisitions. Players like Henry Ansu, Kalou Ouattara, Nana Banyin Amoah, Yayaha Dawuni, Andrews Ntim, and Samuel Asamoah, among others, have joined the Reds.
Sheriff Mohammed beautifully connected to level the score in the second half, but Eric Bosomtwi’s 74th-minute strike was enough to seal a 2-1 loss to Gold Stars.
Karela United started the league with a 2-1 defeat to Legon Cities but bounced back impressively with a 3-1 victory over Berekum Chelsea at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium. Under the management of Shaibu Ibrahim Tanko, Karela has bolstered its squad with former Asante Kotoko duo Maxwell Agyemang and Evans Adomako, who scored a brace against Berekum Chelsea. Fatawu Mohammed, Abdul Kharim Ayeh, George Amanoo, Samuel Arthur, and Maxwell Arthur are all available for selection.
Asante Kotoko has endured five consecutive home draws in their last five home games. Richmond Lamptey and Justice Blay are now available after missing the first two games due to injury. Serge Eric Zeze, Enock Morisson, Henry Ansu, Andrews Ntim, and Augustine Agyapong are all expected to be in the starting lineup for Asante Kotoko.
The match will be televised live on StarTimes Adepa channel 247 at 6 pm on Sunday, September 1, 2023.
