Ghana Premier League: Coach Ogum under pressure as Kotoko face Bechem threat
Former league champions Kumasi Asante Kotoko have an uphill task to get their act together and make a swift return to winning ways to restore their invincibility as they face Bechem United in the Week 24 fixture in the 2023/24 Ghana Premier League season this Saturday.
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The realities of the league are staring the Porcupine Warriors in the face after they recorded five losses in their last six games in the second round of the season.
Kotoko’s poor run, occasioned by losses to Kpando Heart of Lions, Karela United, Accra Lions, Aduana Stars and Nations FC, has put Coach Prosper Narteh Ogum under intense pressure to reverse the slide and return the team to winning ways.
Kotoko insiders say Coach Ogum’s employers expect him to turn around the club’s fortunes in their next three games or face the axe.
Indeed, the Porcupine Warriors have struggled, especially in the second round, after winning just a game out of six and are languishing at the ninth position of the table with 32 points, which makes Saturday’s encounter a dicey duel.
The Bechem side have troubles of their own having recorded four losses, two draws and two wins in their last eight outings but they will be eager to test Kotoko's strength when they host them (Kotoko) at the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park.
Also on Saturday, Accra Lions will host Bofoakwa Tano at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Accra Lions, who are still recovering from their 0-1 loss to RTU last Monday, will seek to win at home to improve their lot on the league log.
Both sides have not been so impressive this season, however, Accra Lions, who appear to be favourites, will seize the home advantage to claim all three points from their opponents.
At the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, Hearts of Oak will welcome Bibiani GoldStars for a match that the Phobians would want to win to appease their fans, having lost their last game away 1-2 to FC Samartex.
With a new board of directors in place, fans will expect that their new managerial capabilities will reflect in the results on Sunday.
Also at the Kwame Kyei Sports Complex, visiting Accra Great Olympics will be seeking to improve their run of results as they chase their second consecutive win when they play Nations FC.
In other fixtures, league leaders FC Samartex play Medeama SC at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena, Heart of Lions will travel to the Naa Sheriga Sports Centre in Tamale to face Karela United, Aduana Stars will host bottom-placed Real Tamale United at the Nana Agyeman Badu Park at Dormaa Ahenkro, while Nsoatreman FC engage Berekum Chelsea at the Nana Amoah Koronmansah Park.
The fixture between Dreams FC and Legon Cities FC has been rescheduled as Dreams FC play host to Malian side Stade Malien in the return leg CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final on Sunday in Kumasi.
