It’s win or bust for Kumasi Asante Kotoko as they take on Nigerian side Kano Pillars in a second leg fixture of the preliminary round of the CAF Champions League.

A 3-2 win in faraway Nigeria has given Pillars a slim advantage but at their favourite Baba Yara ground, the Porcupines can be trusted to overturn the scoreline and advance to the next round.

The build up to this game has been full of funfair with donations to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and floats aimed at ‘painting Baba Yara Red’ today.

Ever-reliable goalie and skipper Felix Annan has underscored the need for fans to fill the stands at the Stadium and play their role as the 12th men on the field. “We need the fans now than ever.

At stages like these, we cannot do without their presence and support. One of the reasons we are feared and revered is because of our huge support base and the fact that we can make the Baba Yara Stadium an uncomfortable place,” he told Kotoko Express.

Kano Pillars coach Ibrahim Musa is unfazed by the prospect of playing Kotoko at their dreaded home ground and remains optimistic of their chances this afternoon.

“We will attack because I am a coach who favours attacking football. You invite a lot of pressure on your goal if you resort to playing defensive and so we will take the game to Kotoko. They were only lucky to score two goals against us in the first game, but we are working on dealing with set pieces, which led to both goals,” he said.

Sogne Yacouba has returned to the Kotoko fold after a self-imposed exile and remains to be seen if coach Zachariassen will give him a start today.

Game begins at 3:00 pm and we will bring you Live Updates from Kumasi