Hearts of Oak are set to renew their rivalry with Asante Kotoko on match day 6 in the Ghana Premier League at the Accra Sports Stadium.
FootballMadeInGhana writer Daraja Kapoor, takes a look at five reasons why Sunday’s game could turn out to be one to savor for the Hearts of Oak fan base.
Nii Odoom’s has finally found a formula
Coach Edward Nii Odoom has shown in recent weeks that he can plot a route to victory with or without the ball.
His two wins since taking over – at home to Dwarfs and away at Liberty showed how the gaffer understands the need to set up to his team’s strengths with respect to the opponent and this could be key on Sunday.
The win at Carl Reindorf Park was earned by defensive organisation and resilience coupled with clinical counter-attacks and this could be the ideal blueprint for the old enemy.
Kotoko are NOT invisible
Usually not too much information can be derived from how a team performs at the start of the season but one thing is clear about this current Kotoko side; they are not invisible.
Granted, Coach Maxwell Konadu has an enviable record of not losing against Hearts of Oak as a manager for Asante Kotoko but this record has never been in this much doubt.
Berekum Chelsea and Medeama have both delivered tactical masterclass on how to neutralize Kotoko’s attacking threat and if Hearts can get the first goal the visitors have already shown the tendency to capitulate under pressure.
Whereas Kotoko have lost two of their last three league games, Hearts come into the ‘Super Clash’ on the back of two wins and one draw.
Gunmen
Admittedly, the Phobians defensive frailties is still a cause for major concern but their attackers have come to life in recent weeks after their barren start to the season.
Kofi Kordzi, Joseph Esso, and Bernard Arthur have all gotten off the mark while Obeng Jnr continues to show signs of promise and the general sensation is that Hearts of Oak‘s front line can hurt any opposition on their day.
StarBoy Nettey!
If his performances against WAFA and Liberty Professionals are anything to go by, Emmanuel Nettey will be absolutely crucial if Hearts are to silence their bitterest rivals on Sunday.
As often is the case in ‘big matches’, the midfield battle usually determines the outcome.
Nettey’s tireless work ethic, awareness and creativity in the middle of the park can tilt the match in Hearts of Oak’s favor.
He is expected to be the heartbeat of a midfield trident which also includes Frederick Ansah Botchway and Benjamin Afutu.
I mean why Not?
Since 2006, the two teams have met 23 times in the league. Hearts have had the upper hand with 10 wins while Kotoko have won six(6). Seven (7) have ended in stalemates.
For only matches played in Accra since 2006, Kotoko have won five(5), Hearts have four(4) wins and two(2) have ended in draws.
