A new wind is blowing in their camp administratively since the appointment of the new CEO, Nana Yaw Amponsah, and the formation of a board of Directors, but Asante Kotoko owes their numerous fans across the globe an inexcusable duty, to transfer that change to the field of play as they commence the 2020/2021 Premier League campaign against minnows Eleven Wonders on Sunday.
Since August this year, Asante Kotoko made several positive news for themselves off the field of play. The club has appointed a new CEO, formed a Board of Directors, established a vibrant 8-member management team, and have topped it up with the signing of nine (9) partnership/sponsorship deals, signed new players, all withing the space of six months.
Coach Maxwell Konadu’s side have signed a total of nine (9) new players to add more quality to the already existing ones to augment the squad for the new season. Emmanuel Keyekeh, Patrick Asmah, Sulley Muniru, Emmanuel Sarkodie, Razak Abalora, Brazilian import Fabio Dos Santos Gama and Evans Adomako. Having been handed these arsenals, coach Maxwell Konadu and his technical team are expected to meet the fans’ expectations by starting on a higher note against Wonders.
Asante Kotoko, record 24 times champions of the league, have not won the title since they last did in the 2013-2014 season, six seasons ago, and will look forward to end the drought this season.
TEAM NEWS
ASANTE KOTOKO
Coach Maxwell Konadu has named a 19-man squad for the season opener against Eleven Wonders with high optimism. Asante Kotoko will be without new signing goalkeeper Razak Abalora and right back Christopher Nettey due to national assignments. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Kwame Baah remains the favourite to start ahead of captain Felix Annan.
Midfielder Mudasiru Salifu remains sidelined due to injury, and Brazilian import Fabio Dos Santos Gama didn’t make the squad as he is yet to arrive in the country.
ELEVEN WONDERS
Coach Ignatius Osei Fosu’s side are set to give the Porcupine Warriors a stiffer opposition than ever, having boosted the squad with experienced players who have seen it all in the domestic league.
The club’s top scorer in the previous season, Abdul Mugeese, is still with the club and will pose much threat to the Kotoko back line. The likes of former Accra Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko winger, Ashitey Ollenu, experienced goalkeeper John Moosie, Zakaria Mugeese, Tetteh Nortey are all available to stage a course.
MATCH FACTS
Asante Kotoko are undefeated against Eleven Wonders in all league matches (W4, D0,L0)
Eleven Wonders have never scored against Asante Kotoko in all four (4) previous meetings
Asante Kotoko have not lost a season opening game against Eleven Wonders in their previous two games
Asante Kotoko have never scored more than 1 goal against Eleven Wonders in all their last four (4) meetings
The game is scheduled for 18:00 GMT kick off at the Accra Sports stadium.
REFEREE AND MATCH OFFICIALS:
REFEREE: Julian Nunoo
ASSISTANTS: Roland Addy & Pascal Mawusi
4TH REFEREE: Selorm Kpormegbe
MATCH COMMISSIONER: Andrews Tamakloe