By Simon Asare, GNA
Accra, Dec. 12, GNA – Accra Hearts of Oak
and Kumasi Asante Kotoko are set to renew their rivalry in the re-play of the
2019 President’s Cup which promises lots of thrills and chills especially as
the new football season approaches.
The much anticipated “Super Clash’’ would
see the two arch-rivals lock horns at the Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi, on Sunday,
December 22, after the initial match was rained off back in September at the
same venue.
But for the unsafe nature of the Accra
Sports Stadium, the match would have been played at the capital, but the
organisers made a last-minute change of mind by reverting to Kumasi and pushing
the match one week further.
The stakes for this rematch are very high
and could possibly define the season for either sides, as it has proven to be
in the past with beautiful sets up for an intriguing and fascinating encounter.
New coach of Asante Kotoko, Maxwell Konadu
seems to be optimistic about victory on Sunday, as the boys look poised for the
encounter against their arch-rivals.
“I see this matchup as a normal one and we
would give our best to ensure victory. No need to put pressure on the team
because we don’t need that right now.
“The players know what is at stake, so
need to put pressure on them, so let’s take it as a normal game but on the
match-day, we want the victory,’’ he said on Tuesday.
His opposite gaffer, Kim Grant, seems to be
under pressure ahead of the new season as Hearts targets to break its 10-year
trophy-less jinx and a win for Grant against Kotoko would boost the morale in
the Phobian camp especially with recent wrangling between the management and
supporters.
Team News
The Porcupine Warriors are expected to have
their first goalkeeper back in post having begun light training on Tuesday
after suffering a minor injury.
Left-back Evans Owusu is also expected to be
in the squad for the clash on Sunday having missed out on their friendly
against Sky FC.
Hearts of Oak new signing Richard Attah is
expected to make his debut for the Phobians in the goal post having moved
Elmina Sharks in the transfer window.
Hearts attacker Michelle Sarpong is expected
to be passed fit for the Kotoko encounter having recovered from a knock he
suffered during Hearts clash against Togolese side Etoile Filante.
Hearts Squad
Richmond Ayi, Richard Attah, Christopher
Bonney, William Dankyi, Robert Addo, Mohammed Alhassan, Fatawu Mohammed, Radji Avuoka, Bejamin Agyare, Benjamin Affutu, Charles Marcatthy, Michelle
Sarpong, Menaf Umar, Joseph Esso, Benard Arthur, Kofi Kordzi, Kwadwo Obeng
Junior, Aminu Alhassan, Dominic Eshun
Kotoko Squad
Felix Annan, Kwame Baah, Ayiku Tetteh, Ampem
Dacosta, S. Frimpong, Wahab Adams, Kwame Adom, Daniel Afriyie, Douglas Ansah, Kingsley Osei, Evans Owusu,
Emmanuel Gyamfi, Richard Arthur, Kelvin Andoh, Richard Arthur, Sogne Yakuba,
George Abege, Martin Antwi, Didi Arnaud
GNA
