The battle for the 2020/21 Ghana Premier League title has intensified as the season has gone along, with the first six teams separated by just five points.
On Saturday, two of those will face off in Obuasi when Asante Kotoko host Dreams FC.
The Porcupine Warriors have enjoyed a fairly good home record since relocating to the Len Clay Stadium, with two wins from three games played there thus far.
Currently second on the log, Mariano Barreto’s side would move to the top, albeit temporarily, if they beat Dreams. Kotoko must, however, be wary of the threat posed by the visitors.
Dreams made a poor start to the season, but have turned a corner in recent months. From winning just once in the opening seven league matches, the Still Believe lads have now lost just three of their last 15, lifting them to fourth.
Even better, Dreams are going into this game on the back of a morale-boosting 2-0 defeat of Accra Hearts of Oak, and would be keen to claim Kotoko’s scalp in a bid to record consecutive wins over the division’s two most successful clubs.
That would make quite a statement, and Dreams’ threat would be taken more seriously if they can manage it. The ambition of head coach Vladislav Viric and his charges would certainly be boosted by the fact that Kotoko lost their last home game, when Medeama came visiting.
Both teams are expected to field strong, largely familiar line-ups, with Kotoko likely to rely on Fabio Gama, Emmanuel Gyamfi and Augustine Okrah for attacking impetus, while Dreams look to the likes of Emmanuel Ocran and Ali Huzaif for same.
The five most recent matches between the sides have all been decided by lone goals, with Kotoko edging the last two, including this season’s first-round clash.
The margins might again be narrow this time, and Dreams would hope it goes their way. But, of course, so would Kotoko.
Emmanuel Ayamga — Ink & Kicks
