The first Super-Clash of the 2025/26 football season is set to happen this weekend when the two giants; Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko butt heads against each other in what will be a very fierce match-day 9 encounter.
The game is highly-anticipated by the indigenous football fans as usual but this is even more due to the run both teams have had so far this season and the fact that they have yet to taste a defeat in the league.
The game has generated a lot of talks throughout the week in the media space and also among the supporters, who know nothing will make their weekend much sweeter than the three points and the bragging right.
MATCH PREVIEW
Hearts of Oak maintained their perfect and unbeaten start in the last round of matches with a paramount 1-2 away win at Basake Holy Stars in Anyinase and are highly motivated after that victory.
Frank Duku Abora opened the scoring account with a nicely converted penalty to put the ‘Phobians’ ahead just on the stroke of half-time.
Hamza Issah doubled the lead in the early stages of the second half to mark his second of the season to seal the win.
The ‘Phobians’ have four wins and four draws from their opening eight matches and are currently in third place with 16 points.
On the other hand, Asante Kotoko after an embarrassing exit from the CAF Confederation Cup, seeked a very huge redemption with an emphatic 4-2 win over Karela United in Kumasi.
The Porcupine Warriors were at their best and secured the win courtesy four sumptuous goals from Seth Kwadwo, Peter Acquah Amidu and a stunning brace from Hubert Gyau.
The Reds despite having three games to spare are currently in eighth position with 11 points, culminated from three wins and two draws.
TEAM NEWS
Coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani has welcomed defender Ali Mohammed back in the squad after a short injury but will miss the service of midfielder Gordon Cudjoe due to suspension.
On the part of Kotoko, coach Karim Zito has confirmed Kwame Opoku isn’t available despite his injury return while players like Emmanuel Antwi, Philip Amoh are all deemed doubtful for the game.
But captain Samba O’Neil is fully fit and will be available for the game
LINEUPS
Hearts of Oak: Benjamin Asare (GK), Baba Adamu, Ransford Mensah, Oppong Afranie, Osei Asibey, Raphael Amponsah, George Paaku, Hussein Mohammed, Frank Duku, Martin Karikari, Hamza Issah
Asante Kotoko: Mohammed Camara (GK), Lord Amoah, Patrick Asiedu, Henry Ansu, Joseph Ablorh, Samba O’Neil, Seth Kwadwo, Hubert Gyau, Peter Amidu Acquah, Saaka Dauda, Morifing Donzo
CHANNELS: TV3, Onua TV
KICKOFF: 16:00GMT (4:00pm)
PREDICTION
We say Hearts of Oak 1-1 Asante Kotoko
