Kotoko, Ashgold vie for Kufuor Cup Sunday
Kumasi Asante Kotoko and regional rivals, Ashgold will revive interest in local football on Sunday with the maiden J.A. Kufuor Cup clash at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.
The match is one of the initiatives of the John Agyekum Kufuor Foundation to raise GH¢80 million in the next five years to promote its activities and also honour the ex-President.
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The match, expected to be graced by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, is also to climax the 80th anniversary of the former President.
The Board Chairman of the Kufuor Foundation, Prof. Baffour Agyemang Dua, told a press conference in Kumasi yesterday that all was set to honour the former President on Sunday.
A team from the foundation including its ambassador, Black Stars coach, Kwasi Appiah, last week called on the Asantehene at his palace at Manhyia where the Ashanti monarch suggested for Accra Hearts of Oak to be included in the annual event to promote a healthy rivalry.
Indeed, opponents for subsequent encounters will be determined by the foundation and the organisers, Primeval Media.
Kotoko, Ghana's sole representative in the CAF Confederation Cup, are hoping to use the match to sharpen their rough edges ahead of their clash with Camerounian side, Coton Sport.
But Ashgold have promised to be party spoilers in order to expose the weaknesses of the Porcupine Warriors ahead of the continental assignment.
Kotoko's representative, Mr Sarfo Duku, said the match was dear to the club since it would be a time to honour the former President who was once the club's board chairman.
The CEO of AshantiGold, Mr Frederick Acheampong, promised fans of a competitive game and an opportunity to reverse the previous defeat to Kotoko before the league was truncated.
On his part, the President of Ashgold, Mr Kwaku Frimpong, has promised each player a “slim phone” to motivate them to win the game.
At stake is a giant trophy and a token donated by the foundation.
Referee Maxwell Mensah from Koforidua will officiate the match.
