Asante Kotoko aims to return to winning ways when they host Bibiani Gold Stars on Matchday 19 of the Ghana Premier League at Baba Yara Sports stadium on Friday.
The Reds suffered a 1-0 defeat to bottom placed Heart of Lions on Saturday and look desperate for points against Bibiani Gold Stars in their quest to annex the League title at the expense of leaders FC Samartex.
Asante Kotoko are 4th in the League table with 29 points, having won 3, drawn 1 and lost 1 in their last 5 games. The Porcupine Warriors also boast one lost loss in 8 home games played so far, having recorded 15 points, scoring 6 and conceding 3 goals in the process.
Bibiani GoldStars came from behind to beat Berekum Chelsea 3-1 at DUN’S Park to move 13th in the league table with 21 points. They have won 3 and suffered 2 defeats in their last 5 games. The Miners have accumulated 3 points, scored 1 and conceded 11 – and have the least number of goals on the road.
Asante Kotoko have played Bibiani Gold Stars twice at home since the 2020/21 league season with Asante Kotoko going unbeaten in both encounters. In the 2021/22 season Asante Kotoko beat Bibiani Gold Stars 5-0 and drew 1-1 in the 2022/23 season.
Star man Stephen Mukwala Desse is yet to find his scoring shoes following an audacious performance in the first round of the season. The Ugandan who scored 8 goals in the first round drew blank against Heart of Lions and aims to get his mojo back against Gold Stars. Also available for Asante Kotoko are Richmond Lamptey, Isaac Oppong, Yusif Nurudeen, Michael Kyei, Peter Acquah, Henry Ansu, Justice Blay, Rocky Dwamena and Enock Morrison.
Frimpong Manso has brought some stability to the club following their wobbling start to the campaign that led to the dismissal of Michael Osei as head coach.
Forward Prince Kwabena Owusu is expected to add to his 7 goals tally. The Miners also have in their stable, Frank Amankwah, Emmanuel Appau, Alex Aso, Vincent Atingag, Eric Bosomtwi, Ampem Da Costa, William Dankyi, Ronald Frimpong, Prince Taifa Osei and set piece expert Appiah McCarthy.
The game will be broadcast live at 6pm on StarTimes Adepa channel 247 on Friday, March 1, 2024.
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