Asante Kotoko will attempt to muscle their way into second place on the Ghana Premier League table when they host Basake Holy Stars at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium tomorrow, with the title race beginning to take on real shape.

The Porcupine Warriors sit just one point behind second-placed Bibiani Gold Stars and know that victory in Kumasi would not only lift them above their rivals but also tighten the pressure on leaders Medeama SC.

With the league finely balanced, Kotoko see this fixture as a must-win, especially on home turf, where their vocal support is often a decisive factor.

A goalless draw away to Gold Stars last weekend slowed momentum slightly but did little to dent belief within the Kotoko camp. Head coach Abdul Karim Zito was emphatic afterwards that his side remained firmly in the title conversation, and tomorrow’s match presents the perfect platform to turn talk into tangible progress.

Tomorrow’s fixture offers the Porcupine Warriors a timely opportunity to convert that confidence into three points. Striker Albert Amoah, recently back at the club after an unproductive stint with Libya’s Al Ahly Benghazi, has echoed his coach’s optimism.

That optimism has also been echoed by striker Albert Amoah, who recently returned to the club after an unsuccessful spell with Libyan side Al Ahly Benghazi. Amoah believes Kotoko still have a realistic chance of lifting the league title.

“If you look at the league table, there are still many games to be played, so it’s not over for Asante Kotoko,” he said in an interview.

Prince Tweneboah -- Basake Holy Stars winger

Kotoko’s task, however, will not be straightforward. Holy Stars arrive in Kumasi buoyed by a hard-earned 2-1 victory over Bechem United last weekend, a result that has injected renewed confidence into a side keen to distance itself from mid-table obscurity. Currently 12th, the visitors will relish the role of underdogs and the opportunity to spring a surprise in an intimidating environment.

There is also history at stake. In three previous league meetings between the sides, honours are evenly shared — one win apiece and a draw — meaning tomorrow’s contest offers a chance for either team to establish a clear head-to-head advantage. 

Defensively, Kotoko have been among the league’s most assured sides, conceding just 11 goals in 19 matches while scoring 24. Zito will nevertheless demand concentration and discipline to avoid any costly lapses.

Holy Stars, by contrast, have found consistency harder to come by. They have scored only 17 goals in 19 matches — less than a goal per game — while conceding 23, statistics that underline the scale of the challenge they face against one of the league’s tightest back lines.

Barring late changes, Kotoko are expected to maintain continuity, with Morifing Donzo, captain Samba O’Neil, Saaka Dauda, Hubert Gyau, Henry Ansu, Joseph Amoah, Peter Amidu, Dogo Yakubu and Prince Badu all likely to feature.

Elsewhere in the league

Attention will also be on Tarkwa, where leaders Medeama SC host eighth-placed Karela United at the T&A Park in what promises to be a lively encounter, as Medeama seek to consolidate their position at the summit.

At the Swedru Stadium, Swedru All Blacks face a stern test against third-placed Aduana FC, while Bechem United—  who have won their last four home matches — welcome Kpando Heart of Lions to the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park. Lions, coached by Bashir Hayford, are searching for answers after failing to win any of their last five away games.

Survival concerns add edge to the clash at the Hohoe Stadium, where Hohoe United host Vision FC in a match the home side simply must win to aid their relegation dogfight.

Bibiani Gold Stars travel to the Golden City Park to face a Berekum Chelsea side in strong home form, having won three and drawn two of their last five at home.

There is also plenty at stake at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena in Samreboi, where FC Samartex 1996 look to maintain their formidable home record against Nations FC, who sit 11th and remain without an away win this season.

At the University of Ghana Stadium, improving Dreams FC, ninth on the table, take on 15th-placed Young Apostles, a side struggling on their travels after losing their last three away matches.

The weekend’s action gets underway this afternoon as Hearts of Oak face bottom club Eleven Wonders at the University of Ghana Stadium.books

The Phobians will be targeting a return to winning ways against a side that has managed just two victories all season.

Hearts coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani has received a timely boost with winger Mawuli Wayo back available after missing the previous match against Dreams FC through suspension.