As Asante Kotoko host arch rivals Hearts of Oak today at the Accra Sports Stadium, the Ghana Premier League fanatics are preparing to witness two big guns on the soil going head to head.
The Super Clash promises to be an exciting and thrilling encounter following the euphoria these two clubs bring on board, though their vociferous supporters will not have the opportunity to sit in the stands to cheer them on due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is a seventh versus sixth in the Ghana Premier League, with both sides willing to push harder for the League title this season.
But when it comes to combined XI, who makes the cut?
Both teams have several players in red hot form, though there isn’t a spot for everybody.
Razak Abalora
The Black Stars goalkeeper has cemented his position in the Kotoko post following his idyllic showings. Abalora has settled so will in Kotoko since his arrival and always showcase show-stopping abilities.
Abalora fine form has benched Captain Felix Annan who started the season as well as Kwame Baah who kept the post for a while.
Abalora obviously is ahead of Richard Attah of Hearts of Oak.
Christopher Nettey
The diminutive right-back has been a starman for Asante Kotoko ever since he joined the Ghanaian giants from Attram de Visse. Nettey is famed for his unique attacking prowess. He is currently a member of Senior male National teame the Black Stars. He has a goal in the ongoing season. He could be one of the game changers this afternoon at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Imoro Ibrahim
The lad is in the form of his life. A unique left-back who show no sign of tiredness. Imoro has been a breather of hope in the Kotoko set up.
Imoro is peerless in the League with tantalising goalscoring qualities. A freekick expert. The intelligent defender has increasingly matured to control the affairs for Asante Kotoko. Through his ingenuity, he has scored three goals for Kotoko in the League.
Ismail Abdul-ganiu
The former Karela United’s central defender is brimming in absolute confidence and has regained his form back.
With Ganiu, you expect no mistake at the bag of the defence.
The central defender has thus far fashioned out with some stupendous showings. Ganiu uses all his senses to the core to prevent him from committing mistakes. He’s strong on air and efficacious on the ground. He’s got the ability spray passes upfront to locate his forwards.
Mubarik Yussif
Another newbie at Kotoko who has hit the ground running in superlatives. He has build a solid partnership with Ismail Abdul-ganiu so soon. Like Ganiu, Mubarik make no mistake at the back. His pair with Ganiu is a reason Kotoko has conceded fewer goals this season. He’s a good reader of the game and provide shield for his goalkeeper.
Benjamin Afutu
The defensive midfielder has been consistent for the Phobians this season and without him Hearts always struggle to sparkle. Afutu appears with strength, technique, and the ability to spray passes to his frontlines. He’s a reason Hearts will surprise Kotoko.
Manaf Guma
Another for the Phobians whose absence in the Black Stars call up has raised eyebrows. Manaf is a smart midfielder who can take-on many players with his quick feet. His slim body is no hindrance because it makes him that faster to outsmart his opponents. A great passer of the ball to always cause havoc. Though he’s yet to make strong statement on such games, his performance this season will earn him a place.
Latif Anabila
The former Ashanti Gold starman has rediscovered his phenomenal form at Asante Kotoko and bossing the no.8 position for the Porcupines. His passing accuracy is unmatched. Anabila provide balance in the Kotoko team and serve a link between the midfield and the attackers.
The midfield general can play on the front foot, has an eye for a killer pass and will drive at the opposition at will.
Kwame Opoku
He’s by far the best centre-foward in the Ghana Premier League whose witty, braveness and efficacy upfront are unmatched. Opoku’s evolution from the Division one League through to the Elit league has received plaudits due to how he’s shown potency upfront. He runs at defenders at ease and takes at a split second to punish you. Scoring seven goals in his first season in the League put him above Kwadwo Obeng Junior.
William Aidoo
Another prodigy at Hearts whose evolution occurred under the tutelage of Kostadin Papić. Strong on the ball with braveness to push forward. Aidoo is a workaholic who can easily punish you.
He will first taste the El-Classico but, obviously he’s player to watch in the the big game.
Fabio Gama Dos Santos
The Brazilian midfielder has hit the ground running instantly for the Reds. He’s a surprised package in the Kotoko team. His performance has been aesthetic. He exhibit copious intelligence on the ball with immeasurable confidence, though lack a good strength, it is not a hindrance.
He is indeed brimming in super confidence. Quick-feet, smart and intelligent.
He is yet to score but his total contribution has been phenomenal.
The Brazilian has been in the headlines since his arrival and is hugely building upon his traits.
He could be the difference today.
