Accra Lions head coach Reiner Kraft has issued a bold statement ahead of his side’s crucial Ghana Premier League clash against leaders Asante Kotoko, insisting that both teams are equally hungry for victory, albeit for different reasons.
Speaking in the lead-up to the midweek fixture at the Accra Sports Stadium, Kraft highlighted the contrasting objectives that make the encounter even more significant.
Asante Kotoko wants to win to stay on top of the league and we want to win to avoid relegation, so we will do our best, the German tactician said, emphasizing the determination within his camp.
Accra Lions currently sit 16th on the league table with 26 points and are in desperate need of results to climb out of the drop zone. Their opponents, Kotoko, are top with 47 points and are eyeing another title push.
The stakes are high for both sides. While Kotoko are unbeaten in their away league games against Accra Lions, winning their last two visits, Reiner Kraft believes that form and history will not count once the game begins.
His opposite number, Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum, has also expressed tactical readiness, acknowledging that the game is poised to be a “closed and interesting” one given the respective ambitions of both clubs.
Tactically we are ready for Accra Lions on Wednesday, Ogum said, while also admitting that fatigue could be a factor for his team after a tight match schedule.
Kotoko won the first-round fixture 1-0 at the Baba Yara Stadium, but with Accra Lions fighting for survival and playing in front of their home fans, Wednesday’s game promises to be intense, competitive, and emotionally charged.
Kickoff is set for 3:00 PM at the Accra Sports Stadium.