Can Kotoko scale Ashgold hurdle?

Ashantigold SC and Asante Kotoko will renew their growing regional rivalry tomorrow when they clash in the top week 11 Northern sector fixture of the Normalisation Committee (NC) special league at the Len Clay Stadium in Obuasi.

Kotoko struggled in the first half of their round one fixture before recording a comfortable 2-0 victory at the end of regulation time at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

The Asanteman warriors would be first to confess it was a difficult battle despite the win after conceding a number of opportunities at the initial stages of that encounter which the visitors failed to score from.

At their backyard and in front of their fans, the ‘Miners’ seem motivated against the Porcupine Warriors who are aiming to narrow the increasing gap between them and first placed Medeama.

Though that dream is not guaranteed after the round of clashes, they need to do the needful to keep them in range but Ashgold can be very stubborn at home, especially when their pride is badly punctured.

Accra Hearts of Oak will also attempt to return to their winning ways when they travel to Cape Coast to face the might of Dwarfs.

Hearts was forced to veer off its winning lane in midweek with a draw against Liberty having accounted for WAFA and Inter Allies in amazing fashion.

Having broken Liberty’s home invincibility in the first round, that, coupled with their all conquering form had made them favourites but Liberty showed they were no pushovers.

Dwarfs will try to walk on that Liberty lane at home but they need to tread with caution, considering the danger Michelle Sarpong, Abu Manaf and Joseph Esso pose to their ambitions.

At the Dormaa and Bechem parks where other Northern sector games would be held, Aduana will be at home against Berekum Chelsea in a tricky encounter while Bechem attempt to derail the efforts of group leaders, Medeama when they clash.

After holding Hearts, Liberty will return to their Dansoman base, hoping to tame the Elmina Sharks in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.

Tema based Inter Allies will travel to Dawu to face Dreams FC while Karela United welcome WAFA to Anyinase in the Western Region.

BY ANDREW NORTEY