Kotoko to win Congo war

Kumasi Asante Kotoko are famed for their fighting spirit. Proof? They are the Porcupine Warriors. Warriors who have gone through many battles across Africa — from Algiers to Zanzibar.

Although the present Kotoko squad may not rank in the class of the Ibrahim Sundays and Papa Arkos who conquered Africa on two occasions, the Godwin Ablordey- led team wants to prove that they are a chip of the old block. Never has the famed indomitable spirit of Kotoko faced the litmus test than they find themselves this weekend where they have been jailed by the footballing policemen of Congo.

On Sunday, Kotoko face a desperate AS Police who are bent on using arm-twisting tacics to overturn a 0-4 deficit and make an unlikely berth to the final of the African Cup Winners Cup.

The red flags started flying after the first leg match when A. S. Police coach, Dengaki, warned that Kotoko would be eliminated by hook or crook. It was a threat that the Congolese have live up to, at least judging from the horrid stories of intimidation filtering in from Brazzaville.

Whatever the case may be, the Oseikrom lads are well armed for even a 90-minute guerrilla war in Brazzaville where the hosts are staging the match. If Kotoko are unshaken by the intimidating acts, AS Police may instead need protection on home soil, as the Ghanaians have resolved to pay back the hosts on the field. Ralf Zumdick’s lad are now very experienced and mature and have peaked in form at the right time.

Even though Police have won all their home ties in the competition, overturning a four-goal deficit looks a rather tall order against a team that is improving match after match.

Conceding five unanswered goals look unimaginable, but Kotoko must still not throw caution to the wind like Hearts of Oak who were stunned 5-2 by Etoile du Congo in the Champions League last year.