Super 2 clash: Three key areas expected to decide the outcome of the game

It is undoubtedly Ghana’s iconic fixture on the football field dating back to the late 50s with rich historical background to boast as well.

From their league meetings to the continental showdown in 2004, games between Asante Kotoko SC and Accra Hearts of Oak SC have always lived up to the billing as classical, volatile and keenly contested football matches.

With no local football in the country for the past three calendar months, the friendly tag associated to this doubleheader might be swept aside when referee Maxwell Hanson and his team of officials signal the commencement of the game.

Ahead of the game at the Baba Yara stadium later this evening, www.442gh.com’s Saani Abacha takes a look at the three thematic areas with a trickledown effect on the possible outcome of the game.

The Felix Annan effect

It is uncommon to see a goal in the stature of Felix Annan producing the kind of wicked reflexes that abound in the Asante Kotoko SC shot-stopper.

His short frame, blessed with a superior centre of gravity, seems to be a blessing in disguise for the fast emerging safest pair of hands seeking for a national platform. The Asante Kotoko SC inconsistent back four has Felix Annan to thank for their place in the top four of the 2018 Ghana premier league.

A fearsome 32 shots were faced by the fast emerging custodian in the opening half of the 2018 domestic Zylofon Cash premier league. The acrobatic and agile nature of Felix Annan, however, toned down several score lines that possibly would have turned Asante Kotoko SC into a laughing stock. A day to remember for Felix Annan against Accra Hearts of Oak this Sunday could have a telling effect on who wears the crown.

The Patrick Razak nightmare

The name Patrick Razak in Ghana football is synonymous to pace, power and thumping finishing. If you ever doubt the pace of Patrick Razak as a wing wizard, ask the Nigerian Team B that participated in the 2017 WAFU championship staged and won by Ghana. Razak is a game changer on any day, anywhere and at any point in time.

Reportedly seeking for an improved for an improved contract from his current paymasters, they couldn’t have been any platform to pass the litmus test placed before him. Go out there and kill Asante Kotoko SC for us and we will bulge into your demands.

It is as simple as that. To make matters juicy, Asante Kotoko SC could as well use this platform to access the former Bazooka and Wa All Stars wide man for yet another mammoth switch of colours in the coming days.

The Kumasi hoodoo for Asante Kotoko SC

Statistical figures or past records do not play roles in winning football but the abysmal form of Asante at home to Hearts of Oak means the Phobians arrive in Kumasi with confidence sky high.

The profligate nature of Kotoko in front of their teaming fan base could haunt them with 2 league wins since 2005. The dreadful home record could return to haunt them when the Phobian birds arrive in Oseikrom.

Remember both games will be played at the Baba Yara stadium with renovation work ongoing at the Accra Stadium.