Hearts seek revenge against Kotoko Sunday
The Baba Yara Stadium takes centre stage this weekend with the most anticipated clash in Ghana football as Kumasi Asante Kotoko seek to stamp their dominance over archrivals Accra Hearts of Oak in their second round fixture whose outcome has a significant impact on the title chase, as well as bragging rights.
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The importance of Sunday’s epic duel on the domestic calendar is further exemplified by a decision by the Premier League Board to ensure that all other 21st week matches are honoured tomorrow.
The match also pits the two coaches, Kotoko’s Michael Osei against Hearts’ Sergio Traguil, who will be keen to avenge the President’s Cup loss to the Porcupine Warriors in Accra to maintain their hold on the top spot on the league log.
After guiding Hearts to two straight wins against Sekondi Hasaacas and Berekum Chelsea, the Portuguese will fancy a famous victory in Kotoko’s own backyard, especially after the Porcupine Warriors won the first round clash in Accra when a bizarre howler from goal keeper Abdoulaye Soulama gifted his former side with an easy goal for a 1-0 win.
Hearts go into Sunday’s game on the back of steady form — they are unbeaten in their last five games and boast the best away record in the league — but fourth-placed Kotoko have won only one of their last five matches and are low on confidence, especially after their 4-1 mauling by Ebusua Dwarfs in Cape Coast last Wednesday.
Coach Osei will be under pressure to stem the tide, and a win over Hearts will provide him with the best possible relief and also get the club’s title chase back on track. But the Kotoko coach would have to deliver a masterstroke as the Phobians traditionally perform well in Kumasi and will be determined to reverse their two losses in Accra to maintain their hold on the top spot.
On paper, Hearts appear favourites considering their impressive history of performing well in Kumasi, but the Porcupine Warriors have an ability to bounce back in style when they have their backs against the wall, which makes Sunday’s clash difficult to predict.
Another game that is likely to ignite passions tomorrow is the Aduana Stars-Liberty Professionals fixture at the Nana Agyemang Badu Park at Dormaa-Ahenkro, as Liberty chase their first win of the second round and also seek to avenge their first round loss at Dansoman.
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Tomorrow afternoon, WAFA play host to Bechem United at the Sogakope Park where the academy lads are unbeaten this season, Techiman City will seek home comfort as they face Inter Allies at the Nana Ameyaw Park where they are unbeaten this season, defending champions Ashantigold host giant killers Dwarfs at Obuasi, while Chelsea and New Edubiase United settle scores at the Golden City Park.
Dreams FC face Sekondi Hasaacas at Essipon on Sunday because of the unavailability of the venue tomorrow, while the clash between second-placed Wa All Stars and Medeama SC at Wa has been postponed because of the latter’s continental assignment against Young Africans of Tanzania next Tuesday.