Asante Kotoko enter the game in inconsistent form. The Porcupines have seen results not go their way so far with head coach David Duncan asked to step aside.

How have they fared so far in the build up to the super clash.

MATCHDAY 1: FLAT START AFTER IMPRESSIVE PRE SEASON

The Porcupines went to Sogakope brimming with confidence after they won it all in preseason. Despite losing key players such as Dauda Moahmmed, Jackson Owusu and Kwame Boateng prior to the game, the Porcupines were confident they had the depth to reclaim their title. Their task was made more arduous in the opening minutes when returning keeper Felix Annan had to be withdrawn due to injury quickly followed by debutant Edwin Tuffour Frimpong. In between both injuries, Charles Boateng scored the opener for the academy side before Samel Tetteh sealed all the points for WAFA with a strike early in the second. Keeper Razak Ablaora stood tall to prevent any comeback from Kotoko as the Porcupines suffered their second defeat in Sogakope in two seasons.

MATCHDAY 3: GIFTS IN KUMASI BUT STILL UNIMPRESSIVE

Kotoko’s matchday 2 fixture against Ashantigold was postponed due to the latter side’s participation in continental competitions. This meant the Porcupines played a game less than other rivals and the pressure had already mounted with Hearts winning their first two games. Five points behind their rivals, Kotoko began on the front foot and new signing Bennett Ofori scored their first goal of the season after a howler from Michael Sai. Malik Akwouah responded for the Yellow and Mauves with a delicious free kick but Kotoko regained the lead after another calamitous piece of defending from Medeama. Bismark Oppong, who got the winner for Medeama in the FA Cup final against Kotoko, once again saved the best for the last with a superb left volley. Two points dropped at home and the fans were edgy.

MATHCDAY 2: BORING DERBY

The Porcupines had the chance to atone for their dropped points three days later against Ashantigold whom they had beaten in their last two encounters in Kumasi. Both teams were bereft of confidence and it reflected in the pattern of the game. Kotoko had most of the ball but were not penetrative enough crating next to little while Ashantigold tried to play on the break but clearly lacked the cutting edge. More dropped points for Kotoko who had picked up two points from a possible nine.

MATCHDAY 4: SADDICK SINKS KOTOKO

The worst venue to go when in poor form is Berekum and that clearly showed. Kotoko were no match for the home side who are yet to lose in 4 years at Berekum. A brace from Saddick Adams sinked Kotoko to yet another away defeat. Four games into the season, Kotoko had two points with only two goals scored in 360 minutes. Surely if there was no pressure on coach David Duncan prior to this game, there surely would have been pressure now.

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MATCHDAY 5: KWAME BOATENG RELIEVES PRESSURE TEMPORARILY

Kotoko headed to their game with Hasaacas with only one intention; and that was to win. The Friday night fixture had an evening downpour but the Kotoko faithful sat through the rain and supported their team for the entire duration. They watched how George Owu frustrated their team for large portions with  a string of decent saves. With the game heading for a draw, new signing Kwame Boateng scored the winner to calm the nerves of the Porcupines. A first win despite being scrappy. 5 points in five matches. Had Kotoko turned the corner?

MATCHDAY 6: OLD BOY COMES TO HUNT FORMER CLUB

Unfortunately, Kotoko returned to their poor self in their game away to Aduana. The Porcupines have not won any game in Dormaa yet and 2016 was no exception. Former striker Yahaya Mohammed scored the only goal of the game inflict on Kotoko their third successive away defeat. More drama followed after the game as head coach David Duncan was asked to step aside few hours after the defeat. Troubling times for the Porcupines surely.

MATCHDAY 7: KOTOKO RESPOND WITH A BANG

Assistant coach Michael Osei was put in charge of the team for the next 5 matches and there was so much drama in the week with Duncan reporting to one ground for training while the team trained at another venue. The presence of Life Patron Otumfour Osei Tutu at training calmed situations ahead of their tie with Liberty. Five minutes into the game and Liberty took the lead. The goal spurred Kotoko on rather than dampen their spirits as they rallied from behind to beat the Dansoman side 3-1 courtesy an own goal, a first goal of the season for Dauda Mohammed and captain Amos Frimpomg. A good start for the former attacker of the club.

MATCHDAY 8: GOOD START CONTINUES IN DAWU

After seeing off Tumu in the FA Cup, Kotoko were up against one of the form teams in the league –Dreams FC. Two German trained coaches; Michael Osei and CK Akonnor came face to face in what was always going to be a game of tactical chess. Kotoko opened the scoring under 30 seconds through Dauda Mohammed and that separated both sides till the final whistle. Three games for Osei, three wins and the fans were beginning to believe their beloved club had found its foot once again after a horrid start to the season.

MATCHDAY 9: KOTOKO BROUGHT BACK TO EARTH

After back to back league wins, Kotoko were confident of seeing off strugglers New Edubiase in Kumasi. However, the visitors had a different script as they relied on well-rehearsed counter attacking performance. Their approach proved fruitful when Price Antwi found the net after 21 minutes. Similar to the Dreams game, the early goal proved to be the only goal of the game as Kotoko huffed and puffed for the levels without being successful. A first home defeat for the Porcupines then

Can Kotoko look beyond the Edubiase heartbreak?

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