Soccer News of Thursday, 10 March 2011

Source: GNA

Kotoko face Aduana in topliner

Accra, March 10, GNA - The recovery process of Asante Kotoko will once again be put to test as they face reigning champions, Aduana Stars in the Week 21 clash at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday. The encounter also affords out-of-favour technical head of Aduana, Herbert Addo to redeem his image as far as his tactical and technical abilities are concerned, after falling out with his fans last week.

Addo has been at the receiving end of critics following dismal outing of the local Black Stars at the recently held African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Sudan and metamorphosed into an unpopular figure for allegedly pulling a 91machete' at a fan after their home barren draw with Liberty Professionals last week. His defensive-minded tactics has come under scrutiny and against the reformed Asante Kotoko, he faces undeniably his biggest test so far.

The Porcupine Warriors have witnessed an improvement during the second halve of the campaign and will be looking forward to add their visitors to their list of victims in the journey to the top. Kotoko are fifth on the table and the maximum points against the modest travelers will definitely aid their quest for a respectable placing at the end of the season.

Serbian coach Bogdan Korak's men will have a lot to do to untie the iron-clad backline of the defending league champions, ranked as the best having let in 10 goals from 20 games and governed by Gabriel Opoku Ware.

Also, Kotoko will be seeking to avenge the painful loss handed them by their guests in the reverse meeting, which incidentally was the Serbian's first game in charge. The next centre of attraction will be at the Ohene Djan Stadium, where Liberty hosts Hearts of Oak in the Accra derby. Hearts, languishing at the bottom half of the league standings have been off-colour this term, and will obviously find in their city rivals a tall mountain to climb.

Liberty appears stronger and their recent performances further place them in a better stead to produce a double over the Phobians, whom they beat by a lone goal in the first round. Leaders Chelsea are favoured to consolidate their stay at the top against Medeama SC at the Golden City Park, Berekum, whilst Mighty Jets engages King Faisal at the Akosombo Park. Real Tamale United (RTU) will seek to survive at the Len Clay Stadium against Ashantigold whilst Heart of Lions hosts Arsenal in a match of equals at the Kpando Park. All Stars welcomes rising force New Edubiase to the Wa Stadium with Dwarfs expected to send BA Stars packing out empty from the Reobert Mensah Stadium.