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It has been a difficult start to the season for the Porcupine Warriors. Asante Kotoko has not been overly impressive in the six-week Ghanaian league. This has led to the dismissal of manager Maxwell Konadu. His assistant Johnson Smith is tasked with keeping the fort while the club looks for a new coach. In his first game at the helm, Smith made sure his team defeated Dreams FC in an away game.
After beating FC Nouadhibou of Mauritania, the Ghanaian club will play Sudan’s Al-Hilal in the first leg of the preliminary phase of the CAF Champions League on Wednesday at the Accra sports stadium. The story lines leading up to this match are too many to mention, but it has the feel of a massive game for both teams at this stage of the season.
With a place in the group stage of the CAF Champions League in sight, the competitive clash demands that players step up and deliver their best performances on the field. Both sides have talented and quality players.
Two Kotoko players; Christopher Nettey and Razak Abalora were on the Black Stars who played Sudan in the African qualifier. Al-Hilal, on the other hand, had up to eight players on the Sudan team who played in that match.
the Kickgh office has created XI players who could start for Asante Kotoko and we know that our picks are sure to have you screaming on your computer and mobile phone … feel free to tell us we’re wrong.
Razak Abalora (GK) – He makes his league debut on Sunday in a game won by the Porcupine Warriors. He was one of the best performers in the club that day. Expect to see the former WAFA and Azam FC net caretaker between the sticks in what should represent Kotoko’s biggest challenge yet.
Christopher Nettey (RB) – By no means the best of the Porcupine Warriors in this position, Nettey is expected to transform this Kotoko team and bolster a defense known for sending dumb goals.
Abdul Ganiyu (CB) – Ganiyu’s experience can be key to get Kotoko out of this mini-routine. It’s the balanced head that the rest of your defense needs.
Wahab Adams (CB) – He had his first season opener against Dreams FC on Sunday and made sure to return the trust Johnson Smith placed in him with a splendid performance.
Ibrahim Imoro (LB) – His goal on Sunday ensured that Kotoko left Dawu with all points at stake. It has always been excellent for Kotoko this season. His defensive notion will be key if Smith’s men want to nullify Al-Hilal’s threat from wide areas.
Habib Mohammed (DM) – It seems to be the decided choice alongside Abdul Ganiyu as center-back, considering the lack of confidence in Kotoko’s engine room. He’ll likely have the responsibility of being the busy body in midfield, tracking and tackling, as well as throwing tackles. However, he is not new to paper.
Emmanuel Keyekeh (CM) – The Karela FC midfielder is expected to return to the team after recovering from an injury that kept him out of the club’s last two games. Keyekeh has an excellent work pace, sublime technical skills, and an excellent variety of passing. He plays a critical role in pushing the ball forward for Kotoko.
Latif Anabila (CM) – How do you solve a problem like Anabila? Well, playing it early on and watching him produce majestic passes like he did against Dreams FC is a good start. Ashgold’s ex-man looked good to Dawu and should keep his place.
Emmanuel Gyamfi (RW) – The diminutive winger has had a steamy campaign this season but was very impressive last Sunday. Her creativity and intelligence may be Kotoko’s most threatening weapon. Johnson Smith will look forward to another vivacious performance to lead the Porcupine Warriors over the line in a tough game.
William Opoku Mensah (ST) – Fans love to cut and change their opinion of the striker, but what he brings to Kotoko’s team is so much more than just goal scoring prowess. His time in Kotoko is running out, but he remains committed to the cause. This is a great opportunity to silence your critics.
Ibrahim Osman (LW) – Osman has shone for the Porcupine Warriors every time he’s called upon this season. Kotoko will need him to be at his best if they want to have some cheer at the Accra sports stadium on Wednesday.
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