Sarkodie returns as Barreto names Asante Kotoko XI for Great Olympics grudge match

Asante Kotoko midfielder Emmanuel Sarkodie has been handed first start under new Coach Mariano Barreto for the upcoming Ghana Premier League fixture against Great Olympics.

The Porcupine Warriors play away against the Dade Boys in a top of the table clash at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday.

Revenge is high on Asante Kotoko’s agenda going into this all important match week 20 the encounter, following Olympics’ win over them in the first round encounter.

That result was the final nail in the coffin of then beleaguered coach Maxwell Konadu who was shown the exit hours after the game.

Since then, Asante Kotoko have got their season back on track and currently sit top of the table, on 34 points, one more than second placed Olympics.

Coach Barreto who is unbeaten in his first twenty games for Kotoko will aim at recording another win this afternoon with the Portuguese gaffer making two changes from his previous squad against Chelsea.

The suspended Fabio Gama is replaced by Emmanuel Sarkodie, while Patrick Asmah comes on for Augustine Okrah who starts from the bench.

Goalkeeper Razak Abalora maintain his position in post, while Samuel Frimpong and Imoro Ibrahim handle the right full-back and left full-back roles respectively.

Yusif Mubarik and Abdul Ismail Ganiyu start in Central defence.

The midfield is made up of Habib Mohammed, Salifu Mudasiru, Emmanuel Sarkodie while Emmanuel Gyamfi, Patrick Asmah and Francis Andy Kumi start in attack.

🚨 𝑻𝑬𝑨𝑴 𝑵𝑬𝑾𝑺 🚨

🔴 Two changes from Berekum Chelsea

🔴 Sarkodie replaces Gama, who’s suspended

🔴 Asmah in for Okrah, who starts from the bench

🔴 Senanu back on the bench#AKSC #OLYKOT #GPLMD20 pic.twitter.com/htgg78UHq2

— Asante Kotoko SC (@AsanteKotoko_SC) April 16, 2021

The game kicks off at 3pm GMT and will be live on StarTimes Adepa Channel 247.