Bragging rights, momentum, and a potentially decisive swing in the Ghana Premier League title race will all be at stake when Asante Kotoko host arch-rivals Accra Hearts of Oak in tomorrow’s Super Clash at the Baba Yara Stadium.
It is the fixture that stops — and splits — this football-crazy nation, and at stake is far more than bragging rights. Just one point separates the two traditional giants. Hearts sit third on the log on 36 points, Kotoko fifth on 35.
With the table tightening and leaders Medeama SC within touching distance, a win in Kumasi could ignite a genuine surge towards the summit, while defeat could prove costly to either side in a campaign where margins are painfully fine.
For Kotoko, it has been a turbulent week, and the fixture carries even greater emotional weight. The Porcupine Warriors crashed out of the MTN FA Cup last Sunday, losing on penalties to Aduana FC at the Baba Yara Stadium. The fallout was swift.
Head coach Abdul Karim Zito resigned amid mounting pressure. Now the responsibility falls on interim boss Prince Yaw Owusu, Zito’s former assistant, who faces an immediate litmus test against the club’s fiercest rivals.
It is a daunting first assignment for the caretaker coach.
“It’s not going to be an easy game, but definitely we are not going down. It’s Hearts of Oak and we know very well they will come fighting,” Owusu said ahead of the clash.
Despite the turbulence, Kotoko’s league form remains formidable. They are unbeaten in their last five matches, scoring 12 goals in that run, including a ruthless six against Bechem United. The statistics suggest the home side’s attacking machinery is very much alive.
Tomorrow’s encounter will be the 120th meeting between the two traditional giants. Kotoko hold a slender historical edge with 41 wins to Hearts’ 38, while 40 contests have ended level. The margins are as tight as the current table suggests.
Kotoko have been formidable at the Baba Yara, scoring 75 per cent of their 28 league goals at home this season. They thrive on intensity and crowd energy in Kumasi. Yet Hearts travel with confidence, boasting one of the strongest away records in the division — a trait that could prove decisive in hostile territory.
Dramani eyes revenge
Hearts coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani has his own motivations against his former club. The experienced tactician will be keen to avenge the first-leg defeat and keep his side firmly in the title conversation. Although the Phobians have stumbled twice in their last five outings — against Karela United and Medeama SC — they remain firmly in the tittle hunt.
One compelling duel could unfold between the posts. Hearts’ Benjamin Asare, the national team goalkeeper, has been outstanding, keeping eight clean sheets in 11 appearances and earning a January Goalkeeper of the Month nomination. Kotoko’s shot-stopper Mohammed Camara has been equally reliable, recording 10 clean sheets in 18 matches. In a contest often decided by fine margins, one save could prove decisive.
Hearts will look to Hamza Issah, Mawuli Wayo, Mohammed Alhassan, Raphael Amponsah, David Oppong Afranie, Emmanuel Amankwah, Baba Adamu and Gordon Cudjoe to tilt the balance, while Kotoko’s hopes rest on skipper Samba O’Neil, Albert Amoah, Hubert Gyau, Henry Ansu, Morifing Donzo, Joseph Amoah, Emmanuel Kotei and Johnson Oppong.
Other fixtures
Elsewhere, defending champions Bibiani Gold Stars face a potentially tricky regional derby against Basake Holy Stars at Dun’s Park. Gold Stars sit fourth on 36 points — level with Hearts and Aduana on points but ahead on goal difference — and victory would heap pressure on leaders Medeama SC in an increasingly congested title race.
Struggling Hohoe United, 17th on the league table, seek a turnaround when they host ninth-placed Nations FC at the Hohoe Sports Stadium, while 10th-placed Dreams FC entertain eighth-placed Karela United at the Tuba Astro Turf Park in what promises to be a finely balanced contest.
Former champions FC Samartex 1996 travel to face newcomers Swedru All Blacks at the Swedru Sports Stadium, Berekum Chelsea welcome inconsistent Kpando Heart of Lions to the Golden City Park, and at the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park, Bechem United will attempt to extend their revival against Young Apostles.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh