Asante Kotoko, after clinching the Ghana Premier League title on three consecutive seasons, have suffered a lot of setbacks this term, winning only six games out of 19, including just one in the second round after four games and amassing 25 points in total which keeps them ninth on the log, one place below their weekend visitors, Bechem United.

Coach David Duncan will be hoping to bag all three points at stake when they lock horns with United on Sunday after their last defeat to Liberty, to add to their upsurge in the FA Cup after setting up a date with Aduana Stars in the semi-finals.

United, who are without their manager Miloslav Bogdanovic after he left for refresher courses in Malta, have failed to salvage a point in all their previous trips to Kumasi although they managed to score on every occasion.

They are one point above Kotoko and come into this game after a 3-0 drubbing from Edubiase last weekend. Their abysmal performances in away fixtures coupled with a historic lack of success at the Baba Yara stadium leaves caretaker manager Osei Wire and his charges with a slim chance to carry the day.

United captain Issah Adamu is optimistic his side will record at least their first point against Kotoko after several attempts. “It is one of the biggest games for us this season. Last season we lost 2-1 when we all thought Augustine Okrah’s penalty was enough to win us a point,” Adamu told Goal.

“This is another opportunity for us and I’m confident we will cause an upset and leave Kumasi with at least a point,” he added.

Kotoko assistant coach Michael Osei spoke to Goal in the build up to Sunday’s game and admitted United’s threats but was bullish his side will repeat the records and end the season on high.

“We know how dangerous Bechem United are but we are equally prepared to overcome them to put our season back on track,” Osei said.

“In all the matches Kotoko have played against them in Kumasi, they’ve scored at least a goal but are winless here too. They will be hoping to at least repeat their scoring record and probably push for a draw or steal all the points at stake but we will surely be victorious and end this season very well,” he added.

A win for either side can move them up to seventh position on the log.