President’s Cup: Hearts of Oak v Asante Kotoko preview; Revenge or Repeat?
It’s an opportunity to witness the two most successful clubs in the country battle it out once again as Accra Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko rekindle their eternal rivalry this Friday in a fully packed Accra Sports stadium.
Last month, the two teams drew 0-0 in the outstanding game of the ongoing 2021/2022 Ghana Premier League season.
Unlike what happened last month, the quest for the first trophy this season will be on as both sides aim for the President’s Cup.
The last time these two teams met in the competition, Kofi Kordzi scored first for the Phobians but a Mohammed Alhassan own goal and a Naby Laye Keita effort secured a comeback win for the Porcupine Warriors at Kumasi’s Baba Yara Stadium.
Hearts are coming into the game after drawing 1-1 with Legon Cities on their visit to the El Wak Sports Stadium last Saturday in their Matchday 18 GPL fixture.
Asante Kotoko on the other hand are in the best of form with regards to the match as they beat Dreams FC 2-0 last Sunday to extend their lead at the summit of the league.
Match Facts
The last five meetings at the Accra Sports Stadium in the top-flight, Kotoko has seen three wins compared to the Hearts’ two.
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The Phobians have lost one (Great Olympics), drawn one (Bechem United) and won four (Accra Lions, Berekum Chelsea, Eleven Wonders and King Faisal) in their last six home matches in Accra.
Asante Kotoko won the last edition after beating Hearts of Oak 2-1 in Baba Yara Stadium.
Team News
The purchase of Sulley Muntari has changed the feeling in the locker room but he is yet to inspire the team to victory in four appearances.
Another seasoned campaigner who has joined the Phobians is former captain of Ebusua Dwarfs Dennis Korsah, who is a direct replacement for Raddy Ovouka and has already picked two Man of the Match awards.
Unfortunately, Hearts of Oak will be without star man, Ibrahim Salifu.
Asante Kotoko have received a major squad boost as Brazilian playmaker Fabio Gama, Solomon Sarfo Taylor, Samuel and Appau returned to the Matchday squad last weekend and will be eligible to play on Friday.
Imoro Ibrahim will miss out on the clash for Kotoko as he is out injured.
Hearts Possible 11
Atta, Korsah, Addo, Amankwaah, Fataw, Awako, Nurudeen, Muntari, Mensah, Barnie, Obeng Jnr
Kotoko Possible 11
Danlad, Agyapong, Ganiu, Mubarik, Owusu, Mudasiru, Mohammed, Lamptey, Mfegue, Mbella, Afoakwa
Players to Watch
Daniel Afriyie Barnieh also delivers when it comes to this tie as he scored the decider in last season’s second round league clash which handed Hearts their first trophy in 10 years.
Franck Thierry Etouga Mbella has peaked at the right time and would be crucial to Kotoko’s success in Friday’s encounter despite the fact that he was missing in the league clash last month.
Prediction
Hearts of Oak 2-1 Asante Kotoko
