Accra, Oct. 28, GNA - Matches between Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak have in recent times been tagged as Ghana's version of "El Classico" following the intense rivalry that has characterized their outings.
No other description best fits clashes between the two sides, because El Clasico, a Spanish tag is used to refer to games between Real Madrid and Barcelona and encounters between Hearts and Kotoko represent the same in Ghana.
And Sunday will be no exception, when Hearts trek to the Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi to take on Kotoko in the ninth week Premier League game. It is a known fact that matches between the two sides knows no boundary, form guide, status on the league log and availability of materials, hence are approached purely with passion and emotions from the two camps, making the outcome highly unpredictable.
Taking a critical look at the performance of the two sides in the eight week old premiership, it is easy to conclude that they are indeed not in the best of shapes to sell out a match typical of a clash between the nation's most glamorous clubs or an El Clasico.
The Porcupine Warriors have not been all that consistent and are currently placed at the third position with 13 points, three clear points behind the League leaders, Kessben FC whilst the Phobians hang out at the sixth position, a situation contrary to previous years' when the first and second spot on the table was rotated among the two top Clubs of the country.
Nonetheless, the tension, passion and emotions that characterize such matches will still remain a regular feature come this Sunday. However, putting aside all the mentioned factors, Hearts seem to have a slight psychological advantage over Kotoko following the results of their last games which may a yardstick for an assessment, as well as the double recorded by Hearts over Kotoko last season. Kotoko have since the start of the season struggled to win matches at their favourite Baba Yara Sports Stadium and they suffered in their last game with a 2-3 embarrassing defeat at the hands of city rivals, King Faisal last Sunday.
Hearts however on the other hand succeeded in hammering Wa All Stars 3-0 at the Ohene Djan Stadium, Accra, even though they have also struggled to win matches at the capital's stadium, but have been quite impressive in away matches this season.
Tactically, Kotoko by virtue of their strength in attack having scored ten goals as against Hearts who have six to their credit gives clear indications of victory tilting towards the Porcupine Warriors if the likes of Alex Asamoah, Louis Agyeman and Edward Affum who may be in attack for them take advantage of their scoring opportunities. Their shaky defensive set up coupled with recent howlers from number one goalie Isaac Amoako in the last game against King Faisal could, however, spell doom for Kotoko if Hearts' Edwin Osei "Pele", Uriah Asante and Wilson Adoh also make use of their chances. Hearts will also take further advantage from the strength of their rear power force where the pairing between Karim Alhassan and Osei Bonsu in central defence with Owusu Sefa and Bobbie Ansah on the laterals, backed with safe goalkeeping from former national number one, Sammy Adjei who had ensured they conceded only three goals as compared to five by Kotoko in the League so far.
Irrespective of the above, statistical, tactical, psychological and emotional factors that will be at play on Sunday, making a prediction ahead of the match could be way off target, but the side with the highest level of aggression and positive approach to the game may be heading home with the three points.
At the other League centers, a regional clash between a star studded side Bechem Chelsea will welcome troubled B.A. Stars at the Golden City Park at Berekum, with Dwarfs seeking to outdo inform New Edubiase at the Cape Coast Stadium.
In other matches, badly bruised Wa All Stars will aim at making amends at their favourite Wa Stadium as they welcome defending League champions Aduana Stars, while Liberty Professionals take on 'giant killers' King Faisal at the Carl Reindorf Park, Dansoman, Accra. The two struggling sides of the season so far, Tudu Mighty Jets and Real Tamale United (RTU) will sort themselves out at the El Wak Stadium, Accra whose outcome may not be surprising with Ashantigold doing battle with Berekum Arsenals at the Len Clay Stadium, Obuasi after chalking an unbelievable victory over Lions in Kpando.
Kpando Heart of Lions would have to dig deep into their arsenal to make an attempt at putting off gear the championship aspirations of Kessben FC who have shown a resilience this season. 28 Oct. 10
