After unveiling eight new signings this week, Accra Hearts of Oak are confident they would exact revenge against arch rivals, Kumasi Asante Kotoko, when the two sides clash in the return leg of their Super 2 Cup at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.
Hearts coach, Herbert Addo, believes his promising young players, although not big name stars, hold the key to salvaging the bruised egos of the Hearts faithful following an agonising 0-2 defeat they suffered in the first round clash at the Baba Yara Stadium last Monday.
Coach Addo told the Graphic Sports after yesterday’s training that he was leaving no stone unturned in his quest to ensure the Phobians avoided another disgrace on home soil and snatch the trophy from the grasp of Kotoko.
On the evidence of the competitive atmosphere within which the first round game was played, both sides are expected to approach Sunday’s duel as a cup final as victory provides a psychological edge and bragging rights ahead of the upcoming premier league season.
Despite playing away from home, Kotoko are as comfortable playing in Accra as they do at the Baba Yara Stadium. The intense rivalry that exists between the two glamour clubs suggests the Porcupine Warriors will be in no mood to surrender their two-goal advantage easily and would come fighting to ensure they maintain their dominance over Hearts.
Coach Mas-Ud Dramani will be counting on the exploits of Ivorian star, Ahmed Toure, who flirted with Hearts a few weeks ago but swerved the Phobians to join Kotoko in a shock move. Toure, who scored against Hearts last Monday, will be in the thick of events alongside Dauda Mohammed, who was also on the score sheet in Kumasi
Experienced hands, such as Abeikoo Ainooson, Jordan Opoku, Michael Akuffo and Rahim Ayew, would equally offer Coach Dramani options in midfield and defence where Kotoko’s team strength lies.
In contrast, Hearts have lost some of their key stars, including Nuru Sulley and Owusu Bempah, who is currently on international duty with the Black Satellites. But Coach Addo has equally capable players, such as Robin Gnagne, Winful Cobbinah and Gilbert Fiamenyo to fall on in a bid to deliver victory on Sunday.
