Kotoko-Hearts, Ghana's version of "El Classico"

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.