League Report of Thursday, 29 March 2012

Source: GNA

Kotoko host Edubiase in regional derby

Premier League Leaders, Kumasi Asante Kotoko will face yet another stern test in their quest for the League title when they square against New Edubiase United in the topliner of the Week 22 matches this weekend.

The 10-point lead of the Porcupine Warriors comes under severe test against the Bekwai-based lads, one of two sides to emerge victors over the League leaders this season.

The visitors have emerged tough customers for their hosts since joining the elite division three seasons ago and this weekend’s encounter is expected to follow tradition. Red-eyed Kotoko will thus be seeking to avenge the painful lone goal suffered in the first round.

Edubiase boasts of the leading marksman on the local scene in Emmanuel Baffuor, who has racked in 16-goals in 21 matches. Baffour has been a threat to opposing defenders and the Kotoko rear of Yaw Frimpong, Ohene Brenya, Awal Mohammed and Baba Abdul Rahman must work above themselves to halt his runs upfront.

The centre of attraction will be at the Dormaa Park where Aduana Stars will play host to Accra Hearts of Oak. Hearts coach, Charles Akonnor faces yet another test upon assuming one of the toughest jobs in Ghana football.

After failing his first test against city rivals Liberty Professionals last week end, Akonnor must guide his charges to at least a draw to win back the confidence of the Hearts faithful supporters, who have been starved off victory since the second round of the league commenced.

The Dormaa Park has served a Waterloo for visiting clubs, especially for the big guns of Ghana football, Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko.

In-form AshantiGold are favoured to add struggling Bechem United to their list of victims for the seventh successive win of the second round at their home grounds at the Len Clay stadium, Obuasi just as Liberty are tipped to topple Tudu Mighty Jets at the Sly Tetteh Stadium, Dansoman.

At the Tema Park, Tema Youth will lock horns with Kpando Heart of Lions in a tricky match which can go either way in view of the current performance whilst Wassaman United travel to Wa as guests of All Stars which the homers will expect to collect the maximum points.

Defending champions, Berekum Chelsea will be at home at the Golden City Park to add to the woes of Cape Coast Ebusua Dwarfs whilst Medeama FC will battle it out with Berekum Arsenal at the Tarkwa Park and it is only a miracle that may save the visitors from total annihilation and further drop on the league log.**