Accra Hearts of Oak host rivals Asante Kotoko on Sunday in what is always a hotly contested fixture in the Ghanaian football calendar.
The story lines ahead of this match are too many to mention but it does have the feel of a massive game for both teams at this stage of the season. The competitive clash demands the players to step to the mark and deliver their best performances on the pitch. Both sides boast players of talent and quality.
The Kickgh office has come up with a combined XI and we know our selections will no doubt have you screaming at your computer and mobile phone…feel free to tell us we are wrong!
GK- Richmond Ayi (Hearts)
The Hearts goalie gets the nod here. Ayi is arguably one of the best goal custodians in the country and the reason why Richard Attah has found himself on the bench in the club’s recent games. Ayi has kept 4 clean sheets in 10 games for the Phobians and has lost once within the stated period. He will pick the slot ahead of Kotoko's Frederick Asare and Dandlad Ibrahim.
RB- Michael Ampadu (Hearts)
The former Legon Cities defender has been a surprise package for the Phobians since his arrival at the club. His performances have never been in doubt. The right-back has come on in leaps and bounds and has become an integral member of the Hearts setup. He plays a pivotal role in pushing the ball forward for Hearts and chipping in with an assist or two.
LB- Dennis Korsah- (Hearts)
Kotoko have experimented with John Tedeku, Nana Banyin Amoah and Nicholas Osei Bonsu but the experienced Korsah grabs the slides into our team ahead of the Kotoko trio. A no- brainer, he is a bit like a hamster in his wheel- he runs for ages and sees his life in doing so. His delivery in the final third is consistently superb and his support down the left flank of Hearts in games he featured has been second to none. How ready is he for Isaac Oppong and Baba Yahaya? We await with bated breath!
CB- Nurudeen Yussif Mohammed- (Kotoko)
No explanation needed, but we’ll indulge… The swashbuckling centre-back has transformed this Kotoko team and tightened up a defence known for shipping silly goals. Add in to that a terrific passing range, speed and a penchant for the odd goal and you might just have the perfect centre-back. The captain of our combined team. Leader!
CB- Kelvin Osei Assibey (Hearts)
The heart and soul of the Phobians who remains one of the very best in the business. The versatile player’s progress at Hearts has been wonderful to behold and it isn’t even a competition when Kotoko’s Sheriff Mohammed and, the admittedly improving, Henry Ansu are the apparent rivals for a spot at centre-half in our combined XI.
CDM- Justice Blay (Kotoko)
The ultimate box-to-box midfielder, Justice Blay has put in brilliant showings for Kotoko anytime he avails himself for selection. You won't get too many glitzy haircuts or flashy boots with him, but what you do get us no-nonsense professional who'll put his body on the line to get the job done. When he doesn't play, Kotoko have a right to panic for they don't have a like-for-like replacement, not even close. And that just about tell you how important he is to Ogum and co.
CM-Salifu Ibrahim (Hearts)
If you haven’t watched much of Ibrahim this season you’d be forgiven for questioning the validity of his selection. The midfield metronome is capable of spraying lengthy passes, keeping the game simple, or executing the killer balls that really matter. Technically excellent and difficult for opposing midfielders to catch with or without the ball and is the perfect man to partner Blay in the centre of the pitch. He is recorded five assists this term.
CM- Richmond Lamptey (Kotoko)
The slight-of-frame midfielder, who has an outstanding work rate, sublime technical skills and a terrific range of passing, has been the reason why the Porcupine Warriors have been in superb form lately. Such mature performances demonstrates perfectly what an asset Richmond Lamptey is to this side- an asset not only in attack but a real team player in terms of covering up for his teammates.
RW- Baba Yahaya (Kotoko)
The former King Faisal playerisn’t shy of taking risks and taking responsibility to make something happen for his team.
Yahaya has the versatility to play on the left, right or centrally behind a main striker. He also has a good command of the ball with both feet, adding an element of unpredictability to his game.
Given his consistent performances for Kotoko so far, Baba Yahaha deserves a place in our combined XI.
ST- Steven Dese Mukwala (Kotoko)
Yes, this season has been another one fraught with injuries for the Uganda international but he’s still arguably the best striker in the division. He may not have scored many goals this term but what he brings to the Kotoko team is much more than just goal scoring prowess. He is the final piece in the puzzle; knitting attacks together and pulling defenders all over the place. If you think Kotoko are better without him, think again. Kelvin Osei Assibey?
LW- Hamza Issah (Hearts)
His intelligence on the ball is spectacular for one so young. With Issah in attack, the Phobians are the real deal. His agility, movement and penchant for a ludicrous overhead kick makes him a must-watch, and the fact that he can translate all that into goals makes it even better.
The budding forward is a tenacious, dynamic and selfless performer- with technical ability that players of hi age in the division can only dream. With his five goals, Issah has been a key figure for Hearts and is a no brainier for any combined XI.
The Manager
Prosper Narteh Ogum
