Kotoko to deepen Hasaacas’ woes

Preview: Jerome Otchere

22:26GMT, 04-03-2010

Days after calling the bluff of Edubiase FC by deepening their relegation woes in the twentieth week Glo Premier league fixture at the Baba Yara Stadium, Asante Kotoko could once again be the conveyor of bad news as they will seek to worsen the plight of struggling Sekondi Hasaacas this weekend.

The Giants of the West, as Hasaacas is affectionately known, have found the going extremely tough this season. Indeed Hasaacas appear to be losing their bearing in the competition week after week and it remains to be seen how they fare against Kotoko at home on Sunday.

Coming up against the Porcupine Warriors who put up an unimpressive performance to win 2-0 last Wednesday, Hasaacas’ woes could be deepened further by the end of the match.

The Sekondi based club has amassed only 20 points after 20 matches and the situation could lead to their relegation if the present state of affairs at the club does not change.

Kotoko have neither had things easy but having jumped to 4th position on the league ladder, the Porcupines could be a hard nut to crack for the wobbly Hasaacas team. Last Wednesday’s triumph over Edubiase FC has put Kotoko’s championship ambition back on track after all the problems the club has faced in recent times.

On paper, Kotoko are favourites not only because of their seemingly good form, compared to Hasaacas but also by the fact that they have not performed that bad in Sekondi for some time now. Kotoko’s last three visits to Sekondi to play Hasaacas have seen them wining one and drawing on two occasions. Coach Paa Kwasi Fabin and his charges must therefore improve.

With history on their side, this should not be the time for the Porcupines to disappoint their loyal fans especially those in the Western Region

In their last game, Coach Paa Kwasi Fabin made as many as seven changes to the starting line up

that faced ASC Linguere in the Champions League qualifier. The changes came as a surprise to many and on Sunday, the coach could make some more changes to his team.

Given the unconvincing form of the home team and even that of Asante Kotoko, the match may not attract a big attendance yet the most loyal fans of the two clubs are tipped to be there.

Hasaacas may be down but not out and considering the fact that most low placed clubs invariably give out their best in encounters against Kotoko, Hasaacas would be motivated to fight hard to salvage their terribly sinking image. That should send clear signals to Kotoko that they would be in for a big challenge.

A win for Hasaacas will not bring them out of the woods but it certainly will give them and their followers a great relief mostly at a time that the two Premier League clubs in the Western Region risk being relegated. In addition, football enthusiasts in the twin city of Sekondi-Takoradi could also have some respite should Hasaacas win.

On the other hand, in the likely event of Kotoko emerging triumphant, Hasaacas may have to look elsewhere in their bid to avoid relegation.