Asante Kotoko and Ashanti Gold will renew their long-standing rivalry this weekend when they face off in the Ghana Premier League at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi
The match dubbed Ashanti derby is the biggest for week 9, however, it will not open to fans as Kotoko serve the last of their three-man ban for hooliganism.
Asante Kotoko have been one of the best sides of the campaign so far. The Porcupine Warriors have the joint highest points in the league so far (17).
They have scored 10 goals in nine games, the third-highest tally among the top half of the table and have conceded five in the same number of matches (0.55 goals conceded per game).
Maxwell Konadu’s men have been unbeaten in their last five games with six goals scored and just two conceded in that period and their 1-0 away win against Dreams showed that they are a team to fear.
The Kumasi-based side will hope to extend their run to six games as they host an AshantiGold side who have also been impressive so far.
AshantiGold have also been one of the best teams in the league so far. The Miners have also amassed the joint highest points in the league after nine matches (17).
They also boast of the best defence in the competition having conceded just two goals after nine matches, just 0.22 goals per game.
Their attack is however a cause for concern as they have only found the net eight times during the period (0.88 goals per game), the joint-worst tally among the top five sides.
The Obuasi-based side have only won one away game and will aim to get their second at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday.
In their last five Premier League meetings, AshantiGold have won two and lost one (W2 D2 L1).
Prediction: Asante Kotoko 0-0 AshantiGold
By: Bill Eshun