2024/24 GPL: In-form Asante Kotoko aim to deepen Basake Holy Stars’ woes
In-form Asante Kotoko are searching for their fourth successive 2024/25 Ghana Premier League victory when they visit the CAM Park to take on struggling Basake Holy Stars.
The Porcupines, who are one of only three unbeaten sides alongside Gold Stars and Berekum Chelsea, have racked up three consecutive wins including a recent triumph over defending champions Samartex.
Kotoko currently sit second on the league table with 14 points, and a win on Sunday could place them at the top, depending on the result of Gold Stars’ clash with Hearts of Oak.
Prosper Narteh Ogum’s side will fancy their chances on Sunday against the newly promoted side who seem to have hit the rock after a promising start to the season.
After collecting four points from the first available nine in their opening three matches, Holy Stars have managed only three points in their last five games, including a recent loss to Nsoatreman.
They now sit 13th on the table with 7 points, just one point above the relegation zone, making it imperative they bounce back.
Match facts – head to head
It will be the first match between Basake Holy Stars and Asante Kotoko.
Asante Kotoko
Kotoko are unbeaten this term after six matches.
Kotoko have scored in all six matches played this season but not more than one in a match.
Kotoko are yet to lose a Premier League away fixture against debutants since 2021.
Basake Holy Stars
Holy Stars are the second team with most defeats this season (L4).
Holy Stars have won one of their three matches at home this term (L1, D1).
What have the coaches said?
The hosts coach Abdulai Gazale, who is a former Assistant trainer of Kotoko, is determined to get his side back on track.
“The next focus is planning for Asante Kotoko. We can’t afford to lose two consecutive games in the league. We will work on our mistakes and get ready for Kotoko.”
Meanwhile, Kotoko’s coach, Prosper Narteh Ogum, is cautioning his players against underestimating their opponents.
“If we underrate them, then it will go against us but then if we take them to be like any other side in the Ghana Premier League and approach them with the attitude we use to play against any of the other renowned sides in the league, I think there wouldn’t be any threat.”