Hearts of Oak head coach Aboubakar Ouattara has named a 20-man squad for Sunday’s vital Ghana Premier League fixture against Legon Cities at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium.
The Phobians currently sit fifth on the league table with 52 points, having scored 29 goals and conceded just 18—the second-best defensive record in the league. With only one win in their last five outings, a victory on Sunday is crucial as they aim to break into the top four before the season concludes.
In goal, Kwesi Nketiah gets the nod to start between the posts, stepping in for regular goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, who is currently on international duty with the Black Stars in London. Sharif Shuaib has also been included as the second goalkeeper.
Coach Ouattara has bolstered his defence with the return of experienced centre-back Konadu Yiadom, who joins the likes of Michael Ampadu, Mohammed Sherif, Emmanuel Amankwah, and young talent Raphael Amponsah.
Also named in the defensive unit are Ransford Mensah, David Oppong Afrane, and Osei Kelvin Asibey.The midfield options feature a balance of creativity and steel.
Theophilus Collinson, Enock Asubonteng, and Kwesi Asmah will be supported by Mohammed Hussein, Mawuli Wayo, Kwabena Boateng, and Stephen Appiah Asare. Martin Karikari, Seth Osei, and Ahmed Ramzy Yussif provide further depth and energy in midfield.
Up front, Hearts will look to Abdul Aziz Adam, Asamoah Boateng Afriyie, and Hamza Issah to deliver the goals in what is expected to be a must-win game. Although Legon Cities have already been relegated, the Phobians are taking nothing for granted.
The Royals are currently 17th with just 25 points from 32 matches and have suffered eight defeats in their last ten games (W1, D1), making for a dismal campaign. However, Hearts will aim to maintain their dominance, especially at home, where they have never lost to Legon Cities since 2020.
With both sides having much to prove—Hearts chasing a top-four finish and Legon Cities looking for a respectable end to a disappointing season—Sunday’s match promises to be a tense affair.
Hearts of Oak Squad vs Legon Cities:
Kwesi Nketiah (GK)
Sharif Shuaib (GK)
Osei Kelvin Asibey
Raphael Amponsah
Emmanuel Amankwah
Mohammed Hussein
Asamoah Boateng Afriyie
Mawuli Wayo
Enoch Asubonteng
Michael Awuah
Kwesi Asmah
Samuel Amofa
Abdul Aziz Adam
Hamza Issah
David Oppong Afrane
Kwabena Boateng
Martin Karikari
Yahaya Adraman
Stephen Appiah Asare
Albert Amanfo Kwasi
