Kotoko, Ashgold in dicey duel today
Kumasi Kotoko are keen to achieve their double target this season as they face regional rivals, Ashantigold SC at the Accra Stadium this afternoon in the first semi-finals of the Tier Two of the Special Competition.
Last Sunday, Kotoko kept the dream on course when they beat archrivals, Accra Hearts of Oak 5-4 on penalties in the semi-finals of the Tier One contest and captain, Amos Frimpong says their eyes are firm on another victory at the venue they are gradually turning into their second home.
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Frimpong, who converted the penalty that handed victory to Kotoko, insists there is no complacency in their camp as they are keen to conquer all they set their sights on this ‘special season.’
“It’s not often that one gets to be in this special situation with a chance to play in the finals of two different competitions.
We have been presented with that opportunity and we want to make the most of it.
“Just after the game against Hearts, we turned our attention to Ashgold. We wIll not be complacent at all; we want to win against them too.
All the players are in good shape for the match and we are also motivated after the Hearts win,” he noted.
However, the Obuasi-based club, who lost their Tier 1 semi-finals game against Karela United last Sunday by a lone goal, will seize this opportunity to qualify for the final of the Tier Two, having missed the chance to be in the final for the Tier One, and possibly grab a ticket the Champions League.
The match will be a dicey one as there are old scores to settle.
When the two sides met in the Tier 1 contest in Group A, Kotoko won 2-0 in Kumasi but lost 0-1 to Ashgold in the return match in Obuasi.
This, therefore, will be an opportune time to settle the tie.
Ashgold have been quite impressive, topping their group with 23 points and successfully going past Medeama SC, New Edubiase and others to get to this stage.
However, their loss at home exposed their lack of concentration and that could be exploited by Kotoko.
Also, Coach Charles Kwablah Akonnor’s men seem to be getting better by each competition and will seek to gain the upper hand with yet another early goal as they did last Sunday and build upon it to carry the day.
Coach Kjetil Zacharriasson’s lads such as goalkeeper Frank Boateng, Richard Osei Agyemang, Eric Donkoh, Shafiu Mumuni, Richard Djodi, Appiah MacCarthy and others will, also, hope to redeem the image of the Miners.
The other semi-final match will be a Division One League contest between Unistar Academy and Nzema Kotoko at the Cape Coast Stadium.