Asante Kotoko will butt heads with sworn rivals Hearts of Oak in a much-awaited Super-Clash to headline match-week 13 of the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League on Sunday, December 15, at the iconic Baba Yara Stadium.
The game originally was to be honoured earlier but had to be rescheduled following the country's 2024 General Elections which was held last week.
The Porcupine Warriors head into the game with so much confidence having finally halted their four-game losing streak and are looking very motivated and poised this time heading into the big game.
On the other hand, the 'Phobians' are currently on a four-game unbeaten run with a stunning three-game winning streak in between and are very optimistic of claiming the precious maximum points and bragging rights.
MATCH PREVIEW
Asante Kotoko were really in shambles recently after some string of poor results having lost four straight games on the trot but finally got their redemption with a vital 0-2 away win at Aduana Stars.
The 'Kum Apem' lads reeling from their appalling five-game winless run, entered Dormaa with so much dedication and eventually nipped on Patrick Asiedu's sumptuous free kick and another goal from in-form Albert Amoah at the death to secure the win.
Albert Amoah, again continued with his explosive form having netted a brace to power the Reds to a 2-0 victory over second-tier side Future Stars in round 64 of the league cup last week - marking his eighth goal in all competitions.
Hearts of Oak however, surrended their three-game winning run after a pulsating 1-1 draw at home against Nsoatreman FC - in a game Salim Adams' powerful free kick secured them a point after Stephen Diyou had already given the visitors the lead.
Failing to secure all three points in their last league fixture hindered the Rainbow Club from getting into the top four but restored the hopes of their supporters with an emphatic 4-0 win over lower-division side Immigration FC in the first round of the MTN FA Cup.
After twelve matches, Asante Kotoko have five wins, three draws and four loses - occupying the 7th spot with 18 points, while Hearts of Oak have five wins, four draws and three defeats and are one position better on the table with 19 points.
TEAM NEWS
Both teams had eight players training with the Black Galaxies throughout the week namely; Frederick Asare, Benjamin Asare, Osei Asibey, Emmanuel Antwi, Hamza Issah, Mohammed Saani, Saaka Dauda and Albert Amoah, and all have returned to their respective clubs for the big game.
While coach Prosper Narteh Ogum has a full-strength squad for the game, coach Aboubakar Ouattara is still sweating on the availability of starman Saani Mohammed who is doubtful for the game with groin injury.
The two sides have had their coaches and players speak a lot in build up to the game and have all dared each other ahead of tomorrow with lots of indigenous bookmakers of the game foreseeing an exciting and enticing game as they strongly feel it will live up to the height.
LINEUPS
KOTOKO: Frederick Asare (GK), Lord Amoah, Patrick Asiedu, Samba O'Neil, Joseph Ablorh, Justice Blay (C), Andrews Ntim, Emmanuel Antwi, Saaka Dauda, Wisdom Fernando, Albert Amoah
HEARTS: Benjamin Asare (GK - C), Ransford Mensah, Emmanuel Amankwah, Osei Asibey, Samuel Amofa, Theophilus Collinson, Salim Adams, Ramzy Yussif, Hussein Mohammed, Mawuli Wayo, Hamza Issah
CHANNELS: AFA Sports, Metro TV, Original TV, Net2 TV, Max TV
PREDICTION
We say Asante Kotoko 1-1 Hearts of Oak
KICKOFF: 15:00GMT (3:00pm)
By: Iddriss Abdul Rahim
