Category: Ghana Premier League

Hearts of Oak & Asante Kotoko release OFFICIAL LINE UP; several changes in starting XI

Ahead of the Super Clash, the two clubs have released their official matchday squad for the game

Hearts have made two changes in their squad for the Super Clash against Kotoko in Ghana Premier League at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.

Striker Obeng Junior and centre back Mohammed Alhassan come in for Caleb Amankwah and Isaac Mensah respectively.

Sulley Muntari has maintained his place in the Hearts’ starting XI despite concerns about his fitness.

On the other hand, Kotoko have made three changes in their squad for the Super Clash with Cameroonian striker George Mfeuge coming in after missing the game against Accra Lions last weekend.

Also, defender Imoro Ibrahim and midfielder Mudasiru Salifu have also been handed starting roles.

As a result, Samuel Boateng, Justice Blay and Patrick Asmah have been dropped.

Check out the final Starting XI:

Kotoko players & coaches touch down at Accra Sports Stadium with ‘usual’ bus ahead of Hearts clash

The Porcupine Warriors arrived at the Accra Sports Stadium for the Super Clash in a normal style unlike their hosts

Asante Kotoko touched down at the Accra Sports Stadium Sunday afternoon for the Super Clash against Hearts of Oak with their usual team bus.

Unlike Hearts, who initially landed with their old Coastal bus before the bus for the first team players arrived, Kotoko came with only one bus and did not have to spend more time at the gate.

Kotoko team bus arrival at Accra Sports Stadium

Kotoko lead Ghana Premier League table with 36 points, 12 points better than Hearts of Oak as the first half of the season comes to the end today.

Hearts of Oak players arrive Accra Sports Stadium with Coastal bus ahead of Super Clash [VIDEO]

The Phobians opted not to use their Phobian Bird vehicle but arrived at the Accra Sports with a coastal bus

Hearts of Oak will host Asante Kotoko in Ghana Premier League at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday and they arrived at the venue with a coastal bus rather than their usual Phobian Bird.

A lot of rituals were reportedly done at the entrance by some supporters before they entered the facility to prepare themselves for the much-anticipated fixture.

The game, which was initially scheduled for November last year, was postponed due to Hearts’ participation in Caf Confederation Cup playoffs against Algerian side JS Saoura.

Although, only 25 per cent of the stadium capacity was approved by government initially, it was later confirmed that the stadium can take its full capacity.

Therefore, over 30,000 tickets have been printed and a lot of fans have been spotted at the stadium buying tickets.

Kotoko lead Ghana Premier League table with 36 points, twelve points above Hearts at the end of the first round.

Thousands of Hearts & Kotoko fans throng to Accra Sports Stadium ahead of Super Clash [VIDEO]

Ahead of the Super Clash, many fans of both sides have already arrived at the venue hours before kick off

Hearts of Oak will host Asante Kotoko in Ghana Premier League at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday

The game, which was initially scheduled for November last year, was postponed due to Hearts’ participation in Caf Confederation Cup playoffs against Algerian side JS Saoura.

Although, only 25 per cent of the stadium capacity was approved by government initially, it was later confirmed that the stadium can take its full capacity.

Therefore, over 30,000 tickets have been printed and a lot of fans have been spotted at the stadium buying tickets.

Hearts and Kotoko supporters at Accra Sports Stadium

Kotoko lead Ghana Premier League table with 36 points, twelve points above Hearts at the end of the first round.

Hearts coach Samuel Boadu is under pressure to win the game after going two games without a victory.

Government changes directives as 40,000 supporters will watch Hearts vs Kotoko

The biggest game of the calendar has been given a green light to see more spectators than earlier expected following new directives from government

Hearts of Oak vs Asante Kotoko will have around 40,000 spectators watching it live from the Accra Sports Stadium according to a new directive from Ghana government, ASHESGYAMERA.Com can confirm.

Initially, 25 per cent of the capacity at the stadium was given to Hearts to print tickets for, however, a new directive has been issued on Friday evening.

According to National Sports Authority boss Peter Twumasi, government has agreed after a consultation meeting with Ghana Medical Association that about 90 per cent of the stadium can be opened to spectators for the Super Clash since COVID-19 is on the decline in the country.

“After several back and forth, government has agreed that spectators can be fully allowed to enter the sports stadium on Sunday for the Super Clash between Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko,” NSA boss Peter Ofori Twumas said in an interview with AshesGyamera.com.

“However, all COVID-19 protocols must be observed in order to curb down the spread of the disease. This is the biggest game in Ghana Premier League and all measures must be put in place in order to have a safe atmosphere for everyone who wishes to be at that stadium,” he added.

Hearts, who are playing as hosts, trail their visitors by 12 points and would hope to win and reduce the gap in their attempt to successfully defend the Ghana Premier League trophy.

Eric Bekoe reveals what he will do for Mbella to break GPL record ahead of Hearts clash

The former Porcupine Warriors striker has revealed that he is ready to fast for the Cameroonian striker to succeed

Former Asante Kotoko striker Eric Bekoe says he is ready to fast for Cameroonian striker Etuoga Mbella Frank Thierry to succeed following a splendid start at the club.

The 20-year-old has bagged eleven goals after only 12 games and currently lead the Premier League topscorer’s chart.

And Bekoe, who scored 17 goals during the 2007/08 season, believes the youngster have what it takes to break his record at the end of the season.

“Even if it has take fasting for the Cameroonian (Mbella) to break my record, I will do it. After watching his first match, I said this guy was in for glory because his composure in the 18-yard box is exceptional,” Bekoe said in an interview with Kumasi-based Ashh FM.

“I wish the boy (Etouga) was a Ghanaian. Ghana lack box-box strikers like him but all the credit should go to two players, Lamptey and Mfegue. It’s like Kwabena Yaro and Eric Bekoe chemistry, I dove my hat for him always, he’s the reason I made my name at Asante Kotoko because I didn’t know how to dribble, mine was just the finishing. 

“It’s been a while since I went to stadium but because of Mbella, I will be at stadium this weekend, I want to go and see my style, what I mean is that, at first when you were going to stadium you had one particular player you were going to watch but it’s hard to find such today so since we have such a prominent striker, forget about the fact that we are playing away, let’s go and support our own which is Mbella”

“This is a player to watch, I’ve not had any contact with him but I love him from afar and he’s a boy who deserve all our prayers to clinch the goalking. He has already set a record if my memory serves me right as the only Kotoko striker to score two hat tricks in a season”

“It will take huge money to keep this guy (Mbella) even in the second round, let’s face the fact. Let’s force him to marry here (Kumasi) so he doesn’t leave us,” Bekoe jokingly said.

 â€śKwame Opoku wasn’t a box-box striker, he’s the Ronaldo type of a striker who always want to play but we’ve now gotten another Eric Bekoe in the shape of Mbella, he doesn’t exert much energy to play but he’s always at the right place at the right time.

“Mbella is a sensational striker and his type of striking is rare in the system and I always tell my brother at the home that, I pray he doesn’t get injured until the season ends. Injuries worry players’ career, had it not been that, maybe, I would be playing Real Madrid or any other top teams by now,” he added.

Mbella is expected to start on Sunday when Kotoko face Hearts of Oak in the Super Clash.

“Kotoko will humiliate Hearts on Sunday,” Prophet Mensah Otabil reveals scoreline

The man of God has insisted that Asante Kotoko will score three goals whether rain or shine in the Super Clash on Sunday

Founder and leader of Christ True Word of God Ministries, Prophet Kwaku Mensah Otabil, has revealed that Asante Kotoko will humiliate rivals Hearts of Oak in the Super Clash at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.

According to the man of God, who prophesied in 2019 that Kurt Okraku will defeat George Afriyie to win the Ghana FA presidential elections, Kotoko will score more than two goals in the game.

Although, Hearts have several players expected to miss the game, former AC Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari will likely start the game after initial reports suggested he will miss them due to technicalities.

Otabil insists that Kotoko will win 3-0 if Gladson Awako doesn’t play a part of the game and will win 3-1 if Awako play part of it.

“Kotoko will defeat Hearts by hook or crook on Sunday. They will not be able to stand the might of Kotoko,” Prophet Mensah Otabil told Ashh FM in an interview.

“Kotoko will outplay Hearts on the day and go on to win 3-0 if Awako doesn’t play. Should they start or introduce Awako in the game, they will pull one back,” he added.

Watch and listen to Prophet Mensah Otabil’s revealations

Kotoko held their last training in Kumasi on Thursday and headed to Accra on Friday to continue their fine tuning and Otabil says they will win the Premier League trophy for the next seven years.

“Per what I have seen in the realms of the spirit on December 24, Asante Kotoko is going to win the Ghana Premier League in 2022,” he said.

“They will continue to win the league title in the next five seasons. If referees are going to be fair to Asante Kotoko and handle their games well, Kotoko are going to win the league consecutively.

“I am a staunch Hearts of Oak fan. My parents are and everyone in my family support Hearts but what God has shown to me is what I can and will always say,” he added.

Kotoko are at the top of the log with 36 points, twelve points better than Hearts who are without a win after two games against Great Olympics and Real Tamale United.

“Kotoko will beat Hearts on Sunday,” Opoku Nti talks about Hearts vs Kotoko & heaps praise on Prosper Ogum

The Porcupine Warriors legend was at their last training at the Adako Jachie training ground on Thursday afternoon before they left to Accra for the Super Clash on Sunday

Asante Kotoko former player and chief executive officer Opoku Nti continued with their fine tuning on Thursday ahead of the weekend’s Super Clash against Hearts of Oak at the Accra Sports Stadium.

With the team expected to leave Kumasi to Accra on Friday, the players held their last training at the Adako Jachie training ground with a full house.

Apart from players like Fabio Gama and Isaac Oppong who have been ruled out of the game due to ill health, almost every player that have been playing part of Kotoko’s games recently were present.

Last season, Kotoko were pipped 1-0 by Hearts at the Accra Sports Stadium and the Phobians went on to lift the Premier League title.

https://youtu.be/EI4thirUcs8
Opoku Nti at Asante Kotoko training ground on Thursday

“Our coming here was made possible by the current management team of the club and technical team so we are grateful,” Opoku Nti said in an interview with journalists.

“The legends of this club always pray for the players to succeed. The only club we have is Kotoko and we adore it and if Kotoko progresses, it also opens doors for us in different ways.

“We want to mainly motivate them so that they can defeat Hearts. We feel the coach [Prosper Ogum Narteh] is doing wonderful job especially since he is new to the club and more than half of the players are also new.

“However, the results are very encouraging even though they didn’t get time to have pre-season so he is using the league games to work on the players and I think he must be commended.

“Football isn’t about magic but togetherness and cohesion and even though the player’s would’ve needed enough time to play as a unit, the coach has been able to work around the clock to make them understand his philosophy so easily,” he added.

Kotoko lead the Premier League table with 36 points, twelve points above Hearts of Oak who sit eighth with 24 points.

Video: Watch Kotoko’s last training at Adako Jachie on Thursday ahead of Super Clash with Hearts

The Porcupine Warriors wrapped up their preparations in Kumasi before leaving for Accra for the weekend’s biggest game

Asante Kotoko concluded their fine tuning in Kumasi on Thursday ahead of the Sunday’s Super Clash against Hearts of Oak at the Accra Sports Stadium

Kotoko had a full house on Thursday afternoon as they wrapped up their preparations in Kumasi before leaving to Accra to continue.

With the exception of players like Fabio Gama and Isaac Oppong who will likely miss the game due to ill health, almost every player was present. Mudasiru Salifu trained throughout the session after missing out in the 3-1 victory over Accra Lions last weekend.

Head coach Prosper Ogum Narteh took the players through some drills and also practiced some tactics and formations which they would like to deploy on Sunday for the game.

https://youtu.be/tZ41bGaNc-8
Asante Kotoko players practicing tactics & formations

Meanwhile, there was a surprise visit by several legends of the club at the training ground including former player and chief executive officer Opoku Nti.

Their main purpose was to motivate the players ahead of the Super Clash and an

“Our coming here was made possible by the current management team of the club and technical team so we are grateful,” Opoku Nti said in an interview with journalists.

“The legends of this club always pray for the players to succeed. The only club we have is Kotoko and we adore it and if Kotoko progresses, it also opens doors for us in different ways.

“We want to mainly motivate them so that they can defeat Hearts. We feel the coach [Prosper Ogum Narteh] is doing wonderful job especially since he is new to the club and more than half of the players are also new.

“However, the results are very encouraging even though they didn’t get time to have pre-season so he is using the league games to work on the players and I think he must be commended.

“Football isn’t about magic but togetherness and cohesion and even though the player’s would’ve needed enough time to play as a unit, the coach has been able to work around the clock to make them understand his philosophy so easily,” he added.

With Kotoko leading the Premier League log with 36 points, twelve points above Hearts of Oak who sit eighth with 24 points, Ogum and his charges are poised to pick a win and further widen the gap.

Scenes & reactions from Kotoko’s last training in Kumasi before Hearts clash; Kotoko legends pay players visit

The Porcupine Warriors held their last training at the Adako Jachie training ground on Thursday afternoon before leaving to Accra for the Super Clash on Sunday

Asante Kotoko continued with their fine tuning on Thursday ahead of the weekend’s Super Clash against Hearts of Oak at the Accra Sports Stadium.

With the team expected to leave Kumasi to Accra on Friday, the players held their last training at the Adako Jachie training ground with a full house.

Apart from players like Fabio Gama and Isaac Oppong who have been ruled out of the game due to ill health, almost every player that have been playing part of Kotoko’s games recently were present.

Head coach Prosper Ogum Narteh took the players through some drills and also practiced some tactics and formations which they would like to deploy on Sunday for the game.

Also, former Kotoko player and chief executive officer Opoku Nti, together with other legends who made their names for the club in the past showed up at the training.

Their main purpose was to motivate the players ahead of the Super Clash and an

“Our coming here was made possible by the current management team of the club and technical team so we are grateful,” Opoku Nti said in an interview with journalists.

“The legends of this club always pray for the players to succeed. The only club we have is Kotoko and we adore it and if Kotoko progresses, it also opens doors for us in different ways.

“We want to mainly motivate them so that they can defeat Hearts. We feel the coach [Prosper Ogum Narteh] is doing wonderful job especially since he is new to the club and more than half of the players are also new.

“However, the results are very encouraging even though they didn’t get time to have pre-season so he is using the league games to work on the players and I think he must be commended.

“Football isn’t about magic but togetherness and cohesion and even though the player’s would’ve needed enough time to play as a unit, the coach has been able to work around the clock to make them understand his philosophy so easily,” he added.

Meanwhile, Hearts coach Samuel Boadu is under intense pressure to defeat Kotoko and breath life back into their title defence after going two games without a win.

They were pipped 1-0 by city rivals Great Olympics in the Ga Mantse derby a fortnight ago before sharing the spoils goalless last weekend against RTU in Tamale.

Kotoko lead the Premier League table with 36 points, twelve points above Hearts of Oak who sit eighth with 24 points.