GPL Preview: Asante Kotoko vs Medeama, two title chasers lock horns in battle for absolute glory

It promises to be a gutsy battle for absolute glory when league leaders Asante Kotoko square off against fellow title contenders Medeama SC at the Obuasi Len Clay Stadium on Saturday.

The two sides meet in this thrilling Match Week 21 fixture knowing victory for either side could play a decisive role in the Ghana Premier League title chase.

Both sides have managed to turn things around this season after difficult starts to the campaign.

Kotoko now sitting on top of the pile with 35 points will meet 4th placed Medeama with just Twi points separating them.

The Porcupine Warriors have lost just once in their last ten games (W5, D4, L1) scoring 11 goals and conceding just twice in the process.

They face a Medeama Side who have picked the same number of points along a ten game stretch (19 points) but have a record of 6 wins, 1 draw and three defeats.

Life at Asante Kotoko’s newly adopted home ground – Obuasi Len Clay Stadium- has been fantastic so far. They have a 100% record at the venue (beating Bechem United and Berekum Chelsea 3-0 and 4-0 respectively). Taking into account Kotoko’s last three games, the Porcupine Warriors have yet to concede a goal, and boast the best defensive record in the league.

Coach Mariano Barreto has definitely had his touch on the team. The Portuguese gaffer just joined the side but the team plays with his imprints all over them. Under the former national team Coach, Asante Kotoko have overworked opponents, a feature that was a rarity previously before he arrived.

One major beneficiary of the Barreto era is Brazilian playmaker Fabio Gama. After scoring his debut goal for the Porcupine Warriors against Eleven Wonders, Gama has never looked back, going on to score a goal more and registering two assists in his last 2 games.

His presence was sorely missed as Kotoko labored to a goalless draw away at Great Olympics in Accra. His return to the side after serving a one game suspension due to card accumulation is a major boost for the Coach’s attacking plans.

Asante Kotoko are yet to lose in the second round of the season, though this comes under serious threat against a Medeama Side brimming with equal quality both in the playing body and the technical department.

After losing Samuel Boadu to Hearts of Oak, the Mauves and Yellow responded with the recruitment of both Yaw Preko and Yaw Acheampong, with the latter deputising the former.

Both Coaches have steered affairs for Medeama from the dugout while Amed Toure has been doing most of the attacking work on the field.

Toure, a former Kotoko striker gets to face his former side in the best of shape. He missed Medeama’s win against Legon Cities last weekend, but the Burkinabe is back for this one.

Since joining Medeama in the secind transfer window, Amed Toure has already hit the ground running. He has scored four goals in four games played, a record that should scare the Kotoko defense.

It will be interesting to witness how Toure measures up against Abdul Ismail Ganiyu who is enjoying a very good period in his career. After making his debut for the Black Stars, Ganiyu has gone on to remain a pillar at the back for the Porcupine Warriors and he will relish the opportunity to keep Toure quiet throughout the game.

One major loss for Medeama that also takes some spotlight from the game is the injury omto Justice Blay. The former Asante Kotoko midfielder suffered a fibula fracture in Medeama’s last game against Legon Cities and will b eout for minimum two months.

Though his absence is hurting, Medeama SC’s depth in midfield should be enough to find a necessary cover.

Eric Kwakwa, Rashid Nortey, Benjamin Arthur and Richard Boadu have proven to be midfielders for big games and that shouldn’t be a bother for coach Yaw Preko and his technical team.

The match is scheduled for 3pm kick off at the Obiasi Len Clay on Saturday, April 24, 2021 and it will be broadcasted live on StarTimes Adepa Channel 247.

PRE GAME FACTS

Asante Kotoko FC have only won one of their last 5 games against Medeama SC

Asante Kotoko have not conceded a goal in their last three games

Medeama have won just one of their last 5 Premier League away games

Medeama have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five away games in the league

Medeama’s last away clean sheet came in a game at the Obuasi Len Clay Stadium (0-0 against Ashgold) in January 2021

Medeama have failed to score in 5 of their ten away matches this season