Ashanti Gold will face Asante Kotoko in the semi finals of the tier two league of the NC Special Competition at the Accra Sports Stadium on Wednesday in a fierce regional derby to be played in the capital.
After suffering a painful defeat to Karela United in the tier one league, Ashanti Gold have another chance of qualifying to the finals of the tier two competition when they come up against Asante Kotoko.
The Miners are coming into the game knowing only a win will boost their chance of qualifying to next season’s African Club Competitions.
Coach Kjetil Zachariassen is under fire to deliver after the disappointing results over the weekend.
This is the first time the Miners will face a Premier league club in the Competition.
They overcame New Edubiase, Young Apostles before reaching the semi finals of the Competition.
The biggest test will definitely be on Wednesday, when they come up against their regional rivals Asante Kotoko.
Three days after a fresh victory against their bitterest rivals Hearts of Oak, Asante Kotoko’s chase for a double continues at the same venue they ended their rivals chances of securing a silverware.
The Porcupines will be brimming up with confidence ahead of the game on Wednesday.
With one final against Karela United confirmed, Asante Kotoko could make it to two finals in just three days with a win over Ashanti Gold.
Just like Ashanti Gold, this will be the first time the Porcupines will come up against a Premier League club in the Competition.
They defeated Real Tamale United and Nkoranza Warriors before edging past Berekum Arsenal in the quarter finals.
The game will be another fine opportunity for C K Akonnor to prove his former employers wrong after he was unfairly sacked a year ago.
They met twice in the tier one league, Asante Kotoko won 2-0 in Kumasi, whilst Ashanti Gold won 1-0 in Obuasi in the reverse league.
Team News
Kjetil Zachariassen is expected to ring some changes to the team that lost against Karela United.
There is no injury concern in camp and all the players are available for selection.
Robert Dabuo, Richard Djodi and Samed Ibrahim are all expected to start after starting from the bench last Sunday.
*Asante Kotoko*
C K Akonnor is still sweating on the fitness of Songne Yacouba.
Felix Annan is on national team duty, Maxwell Baakoh and Senanu have both been ruled out of the game.
Probable Line ups
Ashanti Gold SC lineup agsinst Karela
Frank Boateng (GK) Yussif Mubarik, Emmanuel Nti, Richard Osei Agyemang. Roland Amouzou, Abdul Latif Anabila ,Appiah McCarthy, Emmanuel Owusu, Amos Kofi Nkrumah, Shafiu Mumuni (C), Mark Agyekum
Asante Kotoko
Kotoko XI
Danlad Ibrahim, Augustine Sefa, Evans Owusu, Wahab Adams, Abdul Ganiu, Amos Frimpong, Emmanuel Gyamfi, Kwame Bonsu, Naby Kieta, Abdul Fatawu Safiu, Kwame Boahene