AshesGyamera.Com

The Porcupine Warriors came from a goal down to make it five wins in a row in all competitions on Sunday

Asante Kotoko recovered from an early upset to pip arch rivals Hearts of Oak 3-2 in the Ghana Premier League matchday 14 fixture at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday.

Hearts came close to open the scoring by the fifth minute when Linda Mtange was served with a golden opportunity but he surprisingly sent his shot wide.

Mtange finally found a breach in Kotoko’s defence by the 39th minute when he rose above his marker to meet a wonderful cross from Ibrahim Salifu.

Kotoko drew level on the stroke of half time following a defensive blunder by the Phobians as Isaac Oppong snatched the equaliser.

After the break, Kotoko continued from where they left and constantly created openings in Hearts defence.

Steven Dese Mukwala capitalised on goalkeeper Richmond Ayi’s howler to put Kotoko ahead for the first time in the game. Although, Hearts protested for an offside in the build up to the goal, the referee was adamant to their plea.

Mukwala made it 3-1 by the 74th minute as he doubled his tally with a fine finish to send the away supporters into wild jubilations. Kotoko could have gone up by more goals but their strikers were sluggish in front of goal.

With defeat starring at the faces of Hearts, they pushed men forward and deservedly pulled one back deep in additional time.

The Phobians are hoping to use their rivals as the sacrificial lamb while they start to play home games in Kumasi

Hearts of Oak are hoping to record victory over Asante Kotoko in Ghana Premier League matchday 14 fixture at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday.

The Phobians, who have moved their home games to Kumasi due to National Sports Authority’s decision to close Accra Sports Stadium for sporting events.

As a result, Hearts will play as hosts to Kotoko in Kumasi in their first game since the directive from NSA.

Interim coach Rahim Bashiru has named his starting line-up for the game as he is wishing to make a statement following the club’s top hierarchy decision to sack his former boss and give him the mandate.

Salifu Ibrahim will be starting in midfield with support from Linda Mtange while goalkeeper Richmond Ayi keeps the post for the Phobians.

Meanwhile, Kelvin Osei former Bechem United star Kofi Agbesimah will be in the heart of defence to prevent Kotoko’s Steven Dese Mukwala and Isaac Oppong from breaching their wall.

Hearts of Oak XI Vs Asante Kotoko

Richmond Ayi, Michael Ampadu, Kevin Asibey, Kofi Agbesimah, Denis Korsah, Glid Otanga, Linda Mtange, Salifu Ibrahim, Hamza Issah, Kashala Ramos, Gideon Asante

The Porcupine Warriors boss has named his starting eleven as they face their fierce rivals in the biggest game of the country’s football calendar

Asante Kotoko coach Prosper Ogum Narteh has announced his starting players to face Hearts of Oak in Ghana Premier League matchday 14 fixture at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday, AshesGyamera can confirm.

Following a series of mistakes by skipper Danlad Ibrahim, he continues to remain on the substitute bench while Frederick Asare mans the post this afternoon.

Fans favourite Baba Yahaya has been handed a starting role in midfield after his wonderful performance against Berekum Chelsea on Monday while striker Steven Dese Mukwala and Isaac Oppong lead the attack.

Kotoko’s XI Vs Hearts of Oak:

Asare Frederick, Nurudeen Yussif, Sheriff Mohammed, Richmond Lamptey, Ansu Henry, Baba Yahaya, Enock Morrison, Blay Justice, Peter Aquah, Isaac Oppong, Mukwala Steven