GPL Match Preview: Dreams FC vs Asante Kotoko

Asante Kotoko’s title credentials will once again be put to the test when they visit Dreams FC on Sunday in the Ghana Premier League.

The Match Week 9 encounter should be an episode that grips one’s attention with so many angles to look at.

The hosts, Dreams FC have never beaten Kotoko in the premier league, technically. They are even yet to score against the Porcupine Warriors in 2 league meetings and will be eager to break this jinx on Sunday.

Asante Kotoko are without a league win since beating Hearts of Oak in Accra on Match Week 6. Maxwell Konadu’s side is without a league win in the month of February; a situation that’s likely to trigger a love loss among fans.

There is that pressure to win and visiting a venue like Dawu presents an opportunity to get what they seek judging by the host’s form.

Dreams FC have won 2, drawn one and lost one of the 4 home games played this season. After raining goals on King Faisal in their opening day fixture, they have scored just once at home in their last 3 games.

That will surely worry Head Coach Karim Zito, whose frustration levels reached roof levels in the aftermath of their defeat to Hearts and openly berated the referees for mostly being unfair to his side this season.

Kotoko are set for their second consecutive away fixture after drawing goalless with WAFA in Sogakope on Wednesday.

TEAM NEWS:

Asante Kotoko whizz-kid Matthew Anim-Cudjoe has returned to Ghana after his trials in Germany with Bayern Munich but he is unlikely to play any part in this game.

Midfielder Mudasiru Salifu will be assessed going into the game.

Goalkeeper Felix Annan could return to keep the post after sitting out the last 3 games.

Maxwell Konadu is expected to keep faith with a chunk if the squad list he used for the WAFA encounter.

Dreams FC rested 6 key players for their last game against Liberty. One of them is majestic central defender, Massaudu Abdulai. He will return to Coach Zito’s starting lineup.

MATCH FACTS:

Dreams FC scored 4 goals in their opening home game of the season. They have however scored just one goal in their last three home games.

This will be the 3rd league meeting between the two teams. Asante Kotoko has won the previous two by 1-0 score lines.

Kotoko are without a league win in the month of February. They have actually not won a league game since beating Hearts of oak last month.

Maxwell Konadu has never gone three league games without a league win as Asante Kotoko head coach. MATCH OFFICIALS:

Referee: Obed K. Danquah

Asst 1: Emmanuel Dei

Asst 2: Isaac Odoom

4th Ref: Kenny Padi

M/C: Annan Lomotey