The biggest football game on the local scene comes up on Sunday at the Accra Sports Stadium, and not only is it the biggest clash – christened The Super Clash – it is also one of the fiercest local rivalries on the African continent.
Perhaps, the biggest clash on the continent after the Cairo Derby between Al Ahly and Zamalek, the Casablanca derby between Raja and Wydad Casablanca and the Soweto Derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.
What makes Sunday’s clash between Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko a game to remember is the fierce contest between the two for the Ghana Premier League title.
Both pegged on 56 points, the outcome of the game will greatly determine who the winner of the 2021 Ghana Premier League will be.
Our team of writer, and pundits of the Ghana Premier League have put together their expectations and predictions ahead of the game.
Find out who said what and who the odds favour.
Michael Asare Boadu
Michael Asare Boadu
Accra Hearts of Oak versus Asante Kotoko been tagged as Ghana’s biggest game couldn’t have had a truer meaning than the fixture in Accra on Sunday.
The game’s huge nature is accentuated by the fact that for the first time since professional football league began in Ghana, the two sides are going neck to neck thus far for the league title.
Hearts of Oak are in their best form in the last five league games but caution should be quickly preached against using form guide as a gauge to predict who carries the day.
Both coaches, Samuel Boadu (Hearts of Oak) and Mariano Barreto (Asante Kotoko) will flex their tactical muscles but the former has momentum going his way.
Two things will define this game in my opinion. First of all, the role the two playmakers, Fabio Gama and Salifu Ibrahim play for their respective sides.
Gama is having an excellent debut season with Kotoko and within a short time the Brazilian has become a crucial pillar for the team’s attack to lean on.
Salifu’s story is similar, after transferring from Eleven Wonders to Hearts during the second transfer window, he has been at the forefront of attacking moves and schemes for the Phobians, helping immensely in chance creation alongside goal scoring responsibilities.
Whoever has his day between the two will swing the battle in favor of their side.
Another factor that will shape this encounter is who makes it count during their key moments. The game’s pendulum will keep swinging and whoever has the initiative at various stages and makes the most out of it will be the likely winner.
The Match is too close to call and one cannot just predict at the toss of a coin. However, Hearts of Oak look favorites to inflict defeat on the Porcupine Warriors.
Prediction: Hearts Of Oak to win by the odd goal
Abdul Wadud Osman
Abdul Wadud Osman
This game will be one of the most enthralling one in recent times. Hearts of Oak look favorite based on current form and position on the League standings. The Phobians have picked up their pieces and playing with so much confidence and gusto.
They will be counting on the brilliance of Salifu Ibrahim to overcome their sworn rivals. The attacking midfielder has hit the ground running winning and deciding games match after match. If Salifu should have his day then the Phoabians are likely to carry the day.
Asante Kotoko have shown in recent times they no longer fear the Hearts of Oak. Mariano Barreto has lost one since taking over the helm which shows how difficult is to beat his team.
Fabio Gama is the player they will be counting to do the magic on the day, the Brazilian has shush his critics with his brilliant performance.
His incisive passes and his intelligence on the ball makes him unpredictable. Playing against him requires a lot of effort and sacrifice.
Hearts of Oak should be wary of his threat if they want to get something from the game.
Benjamin Afutu and Ismail Abdul Ganiyu also deserve some mention and this two players also contribute a lot to the success of their respective teams.
Prediction: Very difficult to predict; I, however, foresee a 1-1 score line
David Afful
David Afful
Games between Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko have always produced spectacular scenes for fans and neutrals and this Sunday’s encounter will be no different.
Matches between these two for a long time now has always been about bragging rights and three point but on Sunday there’s more than the aforementioned. The league title is also on the line and that should bring an extra spice into the game.
Hearts go into this one on a brilliant run of form, playing some expansive, attacking football. Kotoko on the other hand, haven’t played to thrill the crowd but have been very efficient in getting the needed results which is the aim of the game.
Who wins this one? This would be a tough one to call. However, I expect high octane action, end-to-end drama and a game that could be decided by the odd goal.
Both Fabio Gama and Ibrahim Salifu will be key in deciding the winner. The two are the best players in both clubs and I believe whoever has a good day will definitely spur their club to victory.
I see a narrow victory for either side but considering how resolute Kotoko have been especially on their travels, I’m tipping them to edge this one. 1-0 for Kotoko.
Daraja Kapoor
Daraja Kapoor
The old foes renew their rivalry in a crucial top of the table clash on Sunday. There is little to choose between the clubs as they prepare to lock horns in what could well turn out to be the potential title decider.
With a contest so likely to be settled by fine margins, Coach Samuel Boadu and Mariano Barretto become the key protagonist.
However strategy and preparation must be complimented by great execution and this is where the key players come in.
Key players: Much of Hearts of Oak’s hopes will ride on the shoulders of Salifu Ibrahim. The midfield metronome has been sensational since joining the club from Eleven Wonders.
For Kotoko, their Brazilian playmaker Fabio Gama will have a perfect opportunity to endear himself to the fan base and cement his place in Ghana football folklore.
Prediction: Hearts of Oak 2-1 Kotoko
Ben-Oni Blay
Ben-Oni Blay
I am a great fan of the numbers but I will be the last person to use stats as the only means for analyzing this game. If it were only based on statistics, then I would have great confidence in the probability of this gam ending in a draw, but this is a totally different game altogether.
I think, It will come down to which club wants it more? Which club is more motivated? And I think the Phobians really tick both boxes for me.
This is not to say Kotoko are disinterested in winning this game, but when you watch the Phobians play, there is an incredible urgency to their game and some level of fearlessness.
Particularly in the game against Olympics (a game which is of great essence as the one against Kotoko) the boys played with courage and freedom which was more than impressive.
Prediction: A win for Hearts.
