Super Clash Preview: Kotoko and Hearts Set for Epic Showdown in Kumasi

The stage is set for one of Ghana football’s fiercest rivalries as Asante Kotoko takes on Hearts of Oak at the Baba Yara Stadium this Sunday afternoon in a highly anticipated Ghana Premier League clash.

The Porcupine Warriors enter the game with a shaky recent record, winning just once and losing four of their last five matches. On the other hand, the Phobians have been more consistent, registering three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five outings.

Asante Kotoko currently sit 7th on the league table with 18 points from 12 games, boasting five wins, three draws, and four losses. They have scored 10 goals and conceded nine. Hearts of Oak, in 6th place, have 19 points, winning five matches, drawing four, and losing three. The Phobians have scored nine goals while conceding six.

Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum, head coach of Asante Kotoko, brings a wealth of experience to the rivalry, with 80 league matches under his belt since taking charge in 2021/22. He has an impressive record against Hearts of Oak, with three wins and a draw from four encounters. Meanwhile, Hearts’ Aboubakar Ouattara, who took over in the second round of the 2023/24 season, has managed 29 games with nine wins, seven draws, and 10 losses.

This will be the 115th league meeting between the two clubs since 1958. Both sides have identical records of 38 wins each, with 38 draws. Asante Kotoko have scored 132 goals against Hearts in this fixture, while the Phobians have netted 121 times.

In recent matches, Kotoko holds a slight edge with three wins compared to Hearts’ two in the last eight games, while three ended in draws. The last time Hearts defeated Kotoko away in the league was back in 2015.

Kotoko’s recent home form has been underwhelming, losing their last two matches without scoring. However, they’ve recorded three wins, one draw, and two losses at home this season. Hearts, in contrast, are unbeaten in their last five away games, with three wins and two draws, keeping three consecutive clean sheets on the road.

Key Players to Watch

• Asante Kotoko: Albert Amoah leads the attack with six goals in 11 games, making him the league’s second-highest scorer. Goalkeeper Mohamed Camara, who kept a clean sheet in Kotoko’s last match, will also be pivotal. Other key players include Justice Blay, Andrews Ntim Manu, and Samba Oniel.
• Hearts of Oak: Hamzah Issah, the team’s top scorer with three goals, will spearhead the Phobians’ attack. Goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, who has seven clean sheets in 12 matches, will look to extend his streak against Kotoko. Salim Adams and Mawuli Wayo will also play crucial roles.

The game kicks off at 3pm