Super Clash: Five players to watch ahead of Hearts of Oak v Kotoko

Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko renew their rivalry on Sunday in the Ghana Premier League.

The last tine the two sides met, it took a late effort from Albert Amoah to consign Hearts to a heart-wrenching 1-0 defeat in Kumasi in December.

Another chapter of the rivalry will see title-chasing Kotoko make the grueling trip to Accra – a first since the 2023/24 season – to try and keep their title hopes alive.

Recent history suggests that Kotoko have the odds slightly tilted in their favour as they remain unbeaten against Hearts in their last three games.

However, Hearts will take confidence from Kotoko’s woeful run at the Accra Sports Stadium when they come up against them.

In more than 9 years, Kotoko are yet to claim a win away from home against Hearts of Oak.

Hearts sure do have the men to keep that record going, while Kotoko definitely have a plethora of stars on hand to snap the unwanted streak.

3Sports takes a look at five players who could influence the outcome of the Super Clash.

 

Benjamin Asare (Hearts of Oak)

Hearts play as hosts so it is expedient to use their player first.

Asare is widely known and needs no formal introduction, especially after March, where he was privileged to have kept two cleansheets for the Black Stars in his maiden call-up.

Everything positive around Hearts of Oak has Asare heavily involved.

The skipper, who signed a contract extension after March’s international break, is a cult hero among Hearts fans.

His cleansheets have been invaluable to Hearts’ drab season.

Throughout the campaign, he has single-handedly turned one point into three with some breathtaking saves.

Asare has what it takes to stop Kotoko in their tracks when the need arises.

Kelvin Osei Asibey (Hearts of Oak)

A defensive stalwart for Hearts of Oak.

Always composed and calm unless, of course, Kotoko are around.

Osei Asibey has found a way to make himself infamous in this clash.

He has committed a number of notable errors leading to goals against Hearts’ fiercest rivals, not least the mix-up that led Albert Amoah finishing into a gaping goal in the reverse fixture in Kumasi.

It is difficult to analyze his impact without mentioning his frailities.

Since we are not purists, it is worth accentuating his qualities.

Asibey thrives in aerial duels and fancies a foot race against attackers.

He is not afraid to get into the mix and get into physical duels with forwards in games.

There’s also that odd ability to score, as seen against Vision on March 13.

Asibey is a fine defender who understands his job and carries it out to perfection.

Among the Hearts of Oak backline, his reading of the game and interventions are second to none.

He will only have to deal with his sometimes erratic nature, which would be unforgiven should it manifest in the Superclash.

 

Justice Blay (Kotoko)

In January 2025, Justice Blay extended his stay in Kumasi by a year, a contract extension that was well received by Kotoko fans because of Blay’s qualities.

Wherever the ball may be on the pitch, once it is headed towards the red zone (Kotoko’s half), Blay has the ability to sense the danger and effectively snuff it out.

He breaks up opponents play, dives into tackles and starts attacks from deep areas.

One of his strongest strength is his ability to be deployed in various positions.

His versatility makes him a coach’s dream.

Despite not starting against Aduana last weekend, Blay will likely be a difference maker when handed the chance.

 

Albert Amoah (Kotoko)

Former Kotoko forward, Steve Mukwala, got the better of Hearts of Oak last season, scoring in home and away games.

Only one player from both sides can do that on Sunday, Albert Amoah.

Amoah’s season has been hampered by injury, but  against Holy Stars in March, he made his long-awaited injury return.

The former Olympics forward is yet to hit his stride, having scored for fun before he was sidelined.

Amoah was Kotoko’s top scorer with seven goals before the mishap.

Since returning, Amoah’s only goal has come against Bechem United and will hope Sunday’s game might just be when he gets back into form.

 

Kwame Opoku (Kotoko)

A true symbol of the Asante Kingdom.

“Sankofa, yenkyi” – a symbol that means there’s no harm in going back to retrieve anything item from the past.

Kwame Poku has epitomised that perfectly with his performances.

In December, Opoku signed a one-and-a-year half deal with the Porcupine Warriors.

In that time, no Kotoko player has scored more goals than Kwame Opoku’s eight, which makes the decision to re-purchase him after his first stint with the club a good one.

Essentially, Kwame Opoku seamlessly slotted in for the Porcupine Warriors in time of need.

He was brought in to augment Kotoko’s forward line, to share the goalscoring burden with Albert Amoah.

They’ve both played their part but Kotoko’s goalscoring woes linger on.

Against Hearts of Oak, it could be an entirely different story.

The post Super Clash: Five players to watch ahead of Hearts of Oak v Kotoko first appeared on 3News.

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