By: Jerome Otchere
Expectations will be high among Kotoko fans on Sunday when the Porcupine Warriors clash with Nania FC in the grand finale of the 2011 MTN FA Cup.
Kotoko were the winners in 2001 edition when the prestigious competition was last held and since grabbing the ticket for this year’s final, supporters of the fabulous team have eagerly been looking forward to the big encounter.
Kotoko fans cannot wait to see their side playing and eventually emerging as champions of the competition.
The Porcupine Warriors have promised a delectable show against their young opponents but they are aware of the reality that any act of complacency could end title ambition this season miserably.
A likely triumph for Kotoko will mark their ninth FA Cup success thereby equaling Hearts of Oak’s record in that competition.
Kotoko definitely are strong favourites but Nania FC will not go down without an unyielding challenge for the ultimate.
The team owned by Abedi Ayew Pele has vowed to do everything to spoil the party for Asante Kotoko who must once again be reminded of what Nania’s ability to cause an upset.
They did it against league champions Berekum Chelsea and the truth is that they could spring another surprise especially when they are underestimated. Nania has little to lose.
That explains why pressure could be on Kotoko not to falter but rather win to keep their image and reputation clean.
The fabulous lads have been without Head Coach Bogdan Korak for most part of this week but deputy coaches Maxwell Konadu and Prince Acheampong have steered affairs firmly.
The coaches remain resolute with their view that good work has been done in the absence of Coach Korak, to take on their opponents with all their might.
Pundits of the game say the strength of Nania FC rests in their youthfulness, pace and skill. Handlers of Kotoko thankfully appreciate that and know the enormity of the task ahead. They contend they will count more on maturity and experience to draw a tactical plan to discipline Nania FC.
The two clubs put up splendid performances on their way to the final with Kotoko scoring 11 and conceding five goals in their five matches starting from the round of 64.
Nania FC on the other hand played one game more than Kotoko because their campaign kicked off from the preliminary stage. They scored 11 and conceded two goals. If these statistics are anything to be relied on, Kotoko must keep a tidy defence while oiling their attacking machinery well enough to break the rigidity of Nania’s defence.
Nania players reportedly are in high spirits as they prepare for what perhaps come as their biggest game on the local scene. The feeling in Kotoko camp is also enchanting with every player looking up to the game.
This is the first time this season that Kotoko is going into a highly competitive game with absolutely no report of injury or ill-health.
All the players are in fantastic shape; good condition to be specific. That gives a lot of joy to the technical team and supporters who have keenly been thronging the Adako Jachie training ground to watch training sessions.
The supporters’ discussions have centred mostly – not just on the quality new Coach Maxwell Konadu brings on board but also victory for the team this Sunday.
Kotoko Express’ observations indicate that nothing will change in terms of player selection. The regular, notable starting line-up which comprise instrumental players like Yaw Frimpong, Awal Mohammed, Michael Akuffu, Nii Adjei Daniel and Ahmed Toure are poised for action.
Hints from the technical team however suggest that effective tactical changes are likely to be seen in midfield and the attacking department as well. Thus the stage is set for thrilling action.
Will be Kotoko or Nania FC? The odds – if any are heavily against Nania FC but Kotoko dare not be overconfident for their opponents could capitalise on that to inflict on them unforgettable pain and misery in a season that things went bad for some time until the second round.
You can follow the live coverage of the match on www.mtnfootball.com