Wa All Stars know beating defending champions Ashanti Gold SC at the Wa stadium on Sunday will tighten their grip on top of the table.

The Northern Blues approach the match with midfielder Mohammed Awudu Amando, centre back Issahaku Konda and goalkeeper Benjamin Asiedu absent.

They are part of the national U20 team for the African Youth Championship qualifier this Saturday in Senegal.

Central defender Wahidu Mumuni remains sidelined whereas left back Moses Nyarko is also very doubtful for Sunday's game.

Hashim Musah could make his debut if selected.

Ashanti Gold SC welcome stalwart defender Kadri Mohammed back to the set up after two weeks suspension by the club.

He travelled with the other squad to Wa and could start on Sunday.

Head coach Bashiru Hayford is expected back at the dugout after some weeks out.

The Elephants have a full strength squad making the trip to the north.

Shafiu Mumuni has scored four goals in his last four matches for the Obuasi based club.

He is expected to replicate his recent form against Wa All Stars on Sunday at the Wa stadium.

MATCH FACTS

Head to Head

Total matches played = 17

Wa All Stars wins = 4

Drawn matches = 6

Ashanti Gold SC wins = 7

Wa All Stars have lost just one of their last six matches in the premier league.

(W3 D2 L1)

Ashanti Gold SC have managed only one victory in their last nine premier league fixtures.

They have won two in their last sixteen.

(W1 D6 L2)

Wa All Stars have been losers only once in their last nineteen home matches in the league.

They are unbeaten at home this season.

(W15 D3 L1)

*Ashanti Gold SC have just one win in their last nineteen premier league travels.

(W1 D9 L9)

*The Northerners have lost at home in the league to Ashanti Gold SC on just two occasions after eight games.

(W3 D3 L2)

The Elephants have lost only one of their last five premiership fixtures against Wa All Stars.

(W2 D2 L1)

Wa All Stars have conceded just a goal at home in the premier league this season after eight matches.

Ashanti Gold SC have kept only one clean sheet in the league this at away.

They have conceded in each of their last seven.