Kotoko To Savour Hour Of Glory

For Kumasi Asante Kotoko, tomorrow brings sweet tidings and unimaginable joy in the hearts of their followers, and for Accra Hearts of Oak the day offers an opportunity to reflect on the end of an era and the future.

These are the contrasting scenes that will be captured in Kumasi and Accra tomorrow afternoon when the two giants and, indeed all Premier clubs, honour the last of the Kinapharma league matches.

Irrespective of what happens in Kotoko's game against RTU, or in Hearts' match with Liberty Professionals, the atmospheres in the two cities will not be the same.

For nine continuous years, the two-time African champions remained on the fringes of league honour, while Hearts dominated the stage with sheer ecstacy. What flowed from the situation was a record six successive league championship triumphs for Hearts while Kotoko played second fiddle.

Things have taken a dramatic turn this time round, as Kotoko have shifted themselves into the saddle, wanting to, as they have put it, take their rightful place in Ghana soccer.

The occasion could not have been more momentous. Even before they reached the finishing line, the Porcupine Warriors had dethroned their biggest rivals, Hearts, and waited only for the crowning moment to arrive.

Playing RTU in Kumasi may just be a fitting ceremony to place the ice on the cake. In the case of Hearts, they have their modest unbeaten record to protect, which makes their match with Liberty an interesting one.

At Koforidua Power FC will take on Great Olympics while Okwawu engage Stay Cool Professionals at Mpraeso. Arsenals meet Goldfields at Berekum while Bofoakwa and Hasaacas clash at Sunyani.

Mine Stars play B. A. United at Prestea.