Coach Gazale drops in-form Maxwell Agyemang as he names Asante Kotoko Starting XI to take on Berekum Chelsea

Asante Kotoko will look for a second victory this afternoon under interim manager, Coach Abdulai Gazale as they travel to play Berekum Chelsea in the BetPawa Premier League this afternoon.

The game will kick off at 3:00pm at the Gold City Park in Berekum and will be live on StarTimes Adepa Channel 247.

The defending champions sit fourth in the table having won two games in their previous five fixtures. They will hope to record their first victory in Berekum after two seasons in their quest to defend the league title.

This afternoon’s clash is the reverse fixture for week 9’s game which ended 2-1 in favour of the Porcupine Warriors at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

The Reds will continue their chase to close the gap on current leaders Aduana Stars after last week’s goalless draw with King Faisal. They can’t afford to drop any points as they look to reduce the deficit to only one point.

Four of their players (Richard Boadu Agadas, Eric Zeze, Matheus de Souza and Nicholas Osei-Bonsu) who were fielded against King Faisal are out for this clash.

De Souza and Nicholas are not available through injury. Boadu Agadas and Eric Zeze have been suspended for accumulating yellow cards.

Danlad Ibrahim is back in goal – Augustine Agyapong, Mohammed Alhassan, John Tedeku and Sherrif Mohammed will lineup in defense. Maxwell Agyemang will start from bench.

Midfield, however, is where the problem lies due to Agadas and Zeze’s absence. The club’s captain has been the reliable man at the heart of Kotoko’s midfield this season. In his absence, Richmond Lamptey has been given the green light to partner Mohammed Sherrif and Rocky Dwamena.

Steven Mukwala also has a point to prove once again as the main striker. The Ugandan international is on 9 Premier League goals and would be hoping to extend it as he starts alongside Isaac Oppong and Georges Mfegue.

Asante Kotoko line-up against Berekum Chelsea:

Danlad Ibrahim GK

Augustine Agyapong

John Tedeku

Sheriff Mohammed

Mohammed Alhassan

Mohammed Sheriff

Rocky Dwamena

Richmond Lamptey

Georges Mfegue

Isaac Oppong

Steven Mukwala