Can Kotoko Avenge Defeat?

The second round of the exciting Onetouch Premiership kicks off this weekend with very exciting pairings, described as games of "destiny? for not only those in the top brackets but also the relegation-threatened clubs, struggling to climb up the ladder to consolidate their positions in the elite division.

That the race is for the swift has already taken off but with the contest still half way through, swift finishing would go a long way to determine who takes the championship trophy. And that's why fans must expect surprises at this weekend's matches.

The top liner is the Hearts of Oak/Asante Kotoko encounter, dubbed ?a revenge for the Porcupine Warriors or a repetition for the Phobians?.

In their first round match on December 24, Hearts? striker Stanley Afedzie was the hero of the day when he scored the only goal of the match, played at the Robert Mensah Sports Stadium in Cape Coast. Football fans are, therefore, wondering whether it will be another win for the Phobians or revenge in favour of the Porcupine Warriors.

Traditionally, matches between the two sides have always been likened to a battlefield, where better strategies count most. And that?s why Sunday?s game would be difficult to forecast and also when both sides have benefited from GFA?s re-opening of the January window of player registration. This is a game that must be won by the team with better striking power.

Ashantigold, who lost 2-3 to Hasaacas at the Gyandu Park in Sekondi in the first round, must make amends to retrieve the points when they host the Giants of the West at the Obuasi Len Clay Stadium.

At the Berekum Golden City Park, Arsenal, having suffered from a lone goal defeat at the hands of Liberty Professionals in the first round, would naturally go all out for a revenge.

Power FC ended the year 2006 on a bad note and having lost most of their matches, must work harder to at least split the points with Gamba All Blacks at Ho while Heart of Lions are likely to overpower visiting Bofoakwa Tano at the Kpando Stadium.

Alhaji Karim Grumsah?s King Faisal must take the points from Real Tamale United at Sunyani and Gomoa Fetteh Feyenoord are likely to beat Real Sportive Swedru. Tema Youth who are hosting Great Olympics must carry the day at Tema.