The tactical transformation introduced by Kumasi Asante Kotoko head coach, Steve Pollack, appears to be yielding results but as to whether it could be sustained, remains a big puzzle that would be unsettled when they host Medeama at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday.
Pollack has managed to rescue the Porcupine Warriors from an ordinary side during the first round to a winsome team that successfully defended the President’s Cup trophy against arch rivals, Accra Hearts of Oak last Monday.
Indeed the upsurge in the fortunes of Kotoko is credited to the Birmingham-born tactician whose preferred 4.4.2 formation had done the magic for the club who remain unbeaten in their last five league games.
As to whether it would work against the might of Medeama remains a tall order as the Tarkwa-based club has been a thorn in the flesh of the Porcupine Warriors in the last three seasons.
Since 2015 Kotoko have not beaten Medeama at the Baba Yara Stadium and Pollack would be aiming to desperately break that jinx and would be counting on new striker, Saddick Adams to effectively partner Baba Mahama to unleash defeat on their nemesis.
With others such as Awal Mohammed, Amos Frimpong and Evans Quao at the rear, he hopes an impenetrable wall could be formed in front of goalkeeper Ernest Sowah, while Owusu Jackson, Sarfo Gyamfi and Michael Akuffo could provide support from the midfield.
The task looks daunting for Medeama coach, Evans Adotey but the likes of goalkeeper Ofori Antwi, Eric Kwakwa, Paul Aidoo, Benjamin Bature, Theophilus Nyame, Kwasi Donsu and Daniel Ocran are prepared to guard the club’s integrity with a win against their host.
In other centres, Accra Hearts of Oak would hope to bounce back from the President’s Cup defeat to beat Bechem United at the Nana Fosu Gyeabour stadium, while a difficult task awaits Inter Allies when they travel to the Golden City Park to encounter Berekum Chelsea.
Ashgold will hope to continue with their fine form when they host WAFA at the Len Clay Stadium and at the Agyemang Badu Park, Aduana Stars would hope to claim the summit of the log when they host Liberty Professionals.
Elmina Sharks will attempt to escape from the drop zone when they host bottom-rooted Bolga All Stars at the Nduom Stadium, Accra Great Olympics will welcome Wa All Stars to the Accra Sports Stadium, while Ebusua Dwarfs trek to the Tema Stadium to battle Tema Youth.
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