Hearts of Oak coach Martin Koopman has finalized his 22-man squad for their upcoming trip to Sunyani, where they will face Bofoakwa Tano in a Betpawa Premier League match on Saturday.
This highly anticipated fixture marks the third matchday of the 2023/24 season and will take place at the Coronation Park.
Bofoakwa Tano's strong start to the season includes a well-earned point in their season opener against Accra Great Olympics (0-0) and an impressive 2-1 victory over Real Tamale United, marking their first Premier League home win in 16 years.
However, Bofoakwa Tano faces a formidable record against Accra Hearts of Oak, having not defeated them since 1995—a streak that spans back to the Premier League era of 1993/94. They have gone 18 games without a win against the Phobians.
Hearts of Oak, on the other hand, have a mixed history in away encounters against newly promoted sides since the 2021/22 season. They have won four, lost two, and drawn one.
The Phobians secured a 3-0 victory against Accra Lions, won 1-0 against Gold Stars in Bibiani, and played to a 0-0 draw with Real Tamale United in the 2021/22 season. In the 2022/23 season, they won 1-0 against Kotoku Royals in Cape Coast, claimed a 1-0 victory against Nsoatreman FC, suffered a 4-1 defeat against Tamale City, and lost 3-2 to FC Samartex at Sameraboi.
Notably, Hearts of Oak has struggled in their recent away matches, going winless in their last 11 league games. During this stretch, they suffered eight defeats, recorded three draws, scored four goals, and conceded 16.
Leading the attack for Martin Koopman's side will be Ramos Kashala Wanet, who scored their first goal of the season against Nsoatreman FC. Midfielder Abdul Aziz Nurudeen, who missed the entire previous season due to a meniscus injury, is back in the squad, looking to make an impact. Obeng Jnr, who missed their last game due to injury, has also returned to the squad.
The squad includes new signings Kelvin Osei Asibey, Martin Karikari, Evans Adomako, and Kofi Agbesimah, who will complement the existing talents such as Denis Korsah, Salifu Ibrahim, Amankwah Baafi, Albert Eonde, and Kojo Obeng Junior.
Martin Koopman's 22-man squad to face Bofoakwa Tano on Saturday:
- Eric Ofori Antwi
- Richard Attah
- Richmond Ayi
- Kwabena Anane
- Kofi Agbesimah
- Kelvin Osei Assibey
- Dennis Korsah
- Leviticus Arthur
- Michael Ampadu
- Apatasi Winimi Kwame Nsoh
- Salifu Ibrahim
- Martin Karikari
- Nuredeen Aziz
- Eric Esso
- Suraj Seidu
- Obeng Kwadwo Jnr
- Glid Otanga
- Evans Adomako
- Kashala Ramos
- Alberto Eonde
- Amankwah Baafi
- Rafael Amponsah
