Former Asante Kotoko striker Eric Bekoe has revealed his all-time Ghana Premier League XI in an interview with Onua TV, selecting a blend of some of the most iconic figures to ever feature in the domestic league.
His team draws heavily from the country's two most successful clubs—Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak—and showcases players who defined eras with their talent, consistency, and impact on Ghanaian football.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the players Bekoe selected, including their backgrounds and career highlights.
Goalkeeper: Soulama Abdoulaye
The late Soulama Abdoulaye was a revered figure in Ghanaian football. The Burkinabe international made his mark first with Asante Kotoko and later with arch-rivals Hearts of Oak. Known for his athleticism, composure under pressure, and quick reflexes, Soulama was a commanding presence between the posts. He served both clubs with distinction and was a fan favorite until his untimely death in 2017. His ability to read the game and organize his defense made him one of the most dependable foreign goalkeepers in the league's history.
Right Back: Amankwah Mireku
A key part of Hearts of Oak’s golden generation, Amankwah Mireku captained the Phobians during their peak in the early 2000s. He was instrumental in their historic CAF Champions League triumph in 2000 and multiple domestic league titles. A natural leader with tireless energy and defensive discipline, Mireku's overlapping runs and precise tackles made him one of the most respected full-backs of his era.
Left Back: Harrison Afful
Before gaining international acclaim with Tunisia’s Esperance and later with Columbus Crew in the MLS, Harrison Afful began his career at Asante Kotoko. Though diminutive in stature, he possessed blistering pace, excellent crossing ability, and solid defensive instincts. He later went on to become a mainstay in the Ghana national team, featuring at both the Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup.
Center Back: Dan Acquah
A stalwart in the Kotoko defense during early 2000s, Dan Acquah was known for his physical presence and excellent aerial ability. His reading of the game and strength in duels earned him a reputation as one of the toughest defenders of his generation. Acquah was a key component in Kotoko’s league-winning sides and a nightmare for opposing forwards.
Center Back: Dan Quaye
A tough-tackling and no-nonsense defender, Dan Quaye was a pillar of the Hearts of Oak backline during the club’s dominant run in the early 2000s. His contributions to Hearts' 2000 CAF Champions League victory and several league titles cemented his place in the club’s folklore. He later featured for Ghana at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
Midfielder: Lawrence Adjah Tetteh
Lawrence Adjah Tetteh was a midfield general who played a key role in Hearts of Oak’s domestic and continental dominance in the 2000s. Known for his exceptional ball-winning ability and composure in midfield, he provided the steel and balance in the Phobians’ engine room. His ability to shield the backline and dictate the pace of the game made him an indispensable asset.
Midfielder: Daniel Nii Adjei
Daniel Nii Adjei rose to prominence at Asante Kotoko, where he captained the club to multiple league titles. A gifted midfielder with incredible vision, intelligence, and leadership, Nii Adjei later moved to TP Mazembe in DR Congo, winning the CAF Champions League. His ability to control the tempo of matches and link defense with attack was unmatched in his prime.
Midfielder: Jordan Opoku
One of the most technically gifted players to come through the Ghana Premier League, Jordan Opoku dazzled fans with his passing, dribbling, and vision. A graduate of the Feyenoord Academy (now WAFA), Opoku enjoyed a decorated career with Kotoko, helping them to multiple league triumphs. His calmness under pressure and knack for unlocking defenses made him a key playmaker.
Forward: Francis Akwaffo
Francis Akwaffo was a fan favorite at Kotoko, known for his direct runs, trickery, and ability to change the course of a game. Operating mainly from the wings, Akwaffo was one of the most exciting attackers in the domestic league during his time and contributed significantly to Kotoko’s attacking prowess in the late 2000s.
Forward: Bernard Dong Bortey
Bernard Dong Bortey needs little introduction to Ghanaian football fans. Nicknamed “The Serial Killer,” Bortey was a flair player who could score from any angle and mesmerize defenders with his dribbling. A key figure in Hearts of Oak’s domestic and continental dominance, Bortey won several league titles and was known for his showmanship as much as his footballing brilliance.
Forward: Ismael Addo
One of the most clinical strikers in Ghana Premier League history, Ismael Addo won the top scorer award three times consecutively from 1999 to 2001. His goal-scoring ability helped Hearts win several league titles and also contributed to their 2000 CAF Champions League triumph. Addo’s positioning, composure in front of goal, and lethal finishing made him virtually unstoppable in his prime.
