Hearts of Oak face Asante Kotoko in the biggest encounter of matchday 31 at the Accra Sports Stadium. As the two Ghana Premier League giants renew their fabled rivalry, Ghanasportspage.com takes on the task of choosing a combined XI from both squads based on performances this season.
Note that, our formation used for the selection is 4-5-1. Although the Porcupines and the Phobians have their respective formations.
Gk- Razak Abalora
Razak Abalora makes the side. Kotoko’s shot-stopping remains supreme. His top-notch performances on the field thoroughly belie his age, while his influence on the team continues to grow day by day.
Abalora is an early contender for goalkeeper of the season so far and has shown little flaws since replacing captain Felix Annan.
RCB – Ismail Abdul Ganiyu
Ganiyu is one of the decent but solid centre-halves in the league. He’s been a Stewart and has consistently been good for Kotoko, balancing excellent ball-playing ability with defensive nous, and would start in this imaginary XI.
CB – Robert Addo Sowah
Sowah has improved Hearts’ defence immeasurably since the start of the season, and he’s established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the league. His reading of the game, aerial prowess and speed across the ground have been a huge asset to the Phobians backline and has given a more solid foundation to grind out results when they aren’t playing at their best.
LB – Raddy Ovouka
The Congolese is one of the most underrated players in the league. He’s a bundle of seemingly boundless of energy down the left-hand side, providing a deadly end product for Hearts’ front three. His recovery pace is exceptional, meaning that he can dig himself out of any trouble he finds himself in. He continues to fend off competition from William Dankyi, which is far easier said than done.
RWB – Fatawu Mohammed
A position fit for three players, Christopher Nettey, Samuel Frimpong (Both play for Kotoko) and Fatawu Mohammed.
However, Fatawu gets the nod because of the consistency in his performance this season.
The Hearts of Oak captain Fatawu has contributed to goals with his dangerous crosses while Nettey has been resolute at the right side of defence when he plays and had scored one goal but he has been inconsistent due to injuries.
DM – Benjamin Afutu
A genuine holding midfielder, the former Karela man is just adept at breaking up the play as he is starting off attacks. His presence gives Hearts’ more forward-thinking players the freedom to express themselves higher up the pitch. He’s more than capable of influencing proceedings with his wide range of passing and possesses a cannon of a right-foot shot. He has managed 5 goals so far as a DM.
An easy pick for the DM role.
CM – Mudasiru Salifu
Mudasiru is selected ahead of Emmanuel Nettey because of his ball progression and contribution to the team in general.
He has been superb in recent outings for the Kumasi club. His positional sense is impressive as well, as he knows when to cover for advancing full-backs and when to get himself into scoring positions. There are few players you’d trust more from shrewd tackles too.
AMF – Fabio Gama
If you don’t love Fabio Gama, you don’t love football. Simple as that. The diminutive number ten is a joyous player, who continues to age like a fine wine. He’s one who can control the tempo of the game and that’s why he starts in midfield. He has scored 4 goals with 7 assists so far in the league in his debut season in the Premier League.
Splitting defences with his passes and making intelligent runs in the box to open up spaces for his teammates.
RW – Emmanuel Gyamfi
The Kotoko forward continues to blossom for his side. Whereas before, there were many, now there are very few faults in his game. He has honed himself and become one of the club’s success stories in recent weeks. The Porcupine Warriors should fear Razak this weekend.
CF- Kwadwo Obeng Junior
Obeng Junior has proven to be reliable for the Rainbow team scoring 9 goals so far in the season. He is an obvious choice for the number 9 role. The strength and power he posses make it difficult for defenders to contain him.
LW – Ibrahim Salifu
‘Di Maria’ is a fantastic midfielder. Not only is his passing second to none, but he is solid defensively and can help dictate the tempo of any game. On top of that, he is devastating at shooting with either foot from any distance. A staggeringly good player- Hearts fans are truly blessed to witness him feature for their club. He has netted 3 goals with 7 assists so far in the season.
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