League Report of Monday, 29 January 2007

Source: GNA

Can Kotoko break Power's resurgence?

Accra, Jan 29, GNA - Defending league champions, Kumasi Asante Kotoko look set to hand resurging Power FC another tough test as they clash in the 20th week of the Onetouch Premier League at the Robert Mensah Sports Stadium in Cape Coast on Wednesday.

The 93Electricity lads" have improved on their previous bottom position during the first round to a middle position this round, courtesy four wins including a 2-1 defeat of current leaders Accra Hearts of Oak at Tema.

That vintage performance will receive a major challenge from an under-performing Kotoko side, who have bagged just a point in their last four matches and seem poised for redemption to appease their fans. For this reason Power must prove to all that their current performance is not a nine-day wonder by adding the 93Porcupine Warriors" to their list of victims.

Knowing very well the impact of another setback will affect their championship aspirations, Kotoko are expected to go all out in their quest for the maximum points to keep their title hopes alive. Power have historically always emerged tough customers for the "Reds" in any encounter, with their morale boosted by the presence of former Kotoko midfielder, Elvis Opoku who have promised to teach his former employers a bitter lesson.

The nimble-footed player has been a thorn in the flesh of many opposing defenders with good combination with Nathaniel Quaye, Allan Shearer and Felix Nii Ayi serving as the nemesis for most teams. This partnership will cause some nervous moments for the inexperienced Kotoko rear depleted by the exit of most of their regulars.

Coach Telat Uzum, whose tactics has come under scrutiny from supporters of Kotoko must develop a new formula and as well fielding the right materials to ensure the realization of the maximum points. He will be relying on the return of midfielder Ofosu Amoah 93Tico Tico" and left full back Godfred Yeboah to keep his lines in check, with the likes of Mark Adu Amofa, Kwame Obeng Darko and Nana Arhin Duah expected to rediscover their goal-scoring boot which has eluded them in the previous outings.

At Tema, Sportive will also hand 93Malabo" crashers Ashantigold another stiff test with King Faisal expected to halt the unbeaten run of debutants Tema Youth at the Sunayni Coronation Park.

Great Olympics will storm Kpando as guests of Heart of Lions, while All Blacks and Hasaacas sort things out at the Swedru Sports Stadium. Arsenal will host Fetteh Feyenoord at the Golden City Park, while Liberty are expected to sink Bofoakwa at the Carl Reindorf Park. On Thursday, Hearts of Oak will worsen the woes of bottom placed Real Tamale United (RTU) at the Tema Stadium.