Ghana’s sole representative in this year’s CAF Confederation Cup, Asante Kotoko, have a date with destiny today at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi to determine their fate in the competition.
The Ghanaians clash with Zambian side, ZESCO United, in a must-win encounter after losing 0-1 to Al Hilal of Sudan in the opening Group C match almost a fortnight ago.
With ZESCO, owned by a power producing company in Zambia, winning their first match against compatriots, Nkana FC 2-0, Kotoko have no other choice than to pick their first three points to hoist the flag of Ghana high.
Perhaps, that is the reason why the helmsman of Kotoko, Charles Akonnor, has decided to speak less and conserve his energy towards the game. But he expressed his optimism to the Daily Graphic, promising a good game to placate the fans.
“My only fear is that the boys do not become complacent,” Coach Akonnor said.
Sounding quite philosophical, the former Black Stars skipper declined to predict but rather stated: “What is important is to win, not the style of football. Sometimes, you can play the worst of football and win and vice versa.”
Since last week, the management of the club has been touring offices and market places to solicit support from football fans to fill the stadium and create an intimidating atmosphere for the visitors.
In line with that, radio stations in Kumasi have also dedicated their sports programmes to the game, urging fans to turn up in their numbers.
The gates are expected to be opened at least six hours ahead of the 4pm kick-off time, while fans are being urged to appear in their traditional all-red replica jerseys.
From officials to players and fans, everything appears set for a great game as students from the Unity Hall (Conti) of the University of Science and Technology (KNUST) scale up their ‘morale’ to thrill and motivate the players.
All these notwithstanding, the experienced ZESCO side appears unperturbed as head coach, George Lwandamina, promised a second win today to boost their quarter-final chances.
