Former Asante Kotoko striker Eric Bekoe has named his all-time Ghana Premier League XI, selecting a lineup packed with legendary talents who left an indelible mark on Ghana’s domestic top flight.
In an interview with Onua TV, Bekoe assembled a team dominated by players from the two most successful clubs in the league’s history—Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak.
From fearless defenders to flair-filled forwards, Bekoe’s selections reflect a blend of leadership, skill, and match-winning brilliance.
Here’s a detailed profile of each player chosen for his ultimate Ghana Premier League dream team.
Goalkeeper: Soulama Abdoulaye (Asante Kotoko, Hearts of Oak)
The late Soulama Abdoulaye remains one of the most admired foreign goalkeepers to grace the Ghana Premier League. The Burkinabe international enjoyed successful spells at both Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak, winning the hearts of fans with his agility, shot-stopping, and ability to command his area. Soulama tragically passed away in 2017, but his legacy lives on as one of the league’s most respected custodians.
Right Back: Amankwah Mireku (Hearts of Oak)
A leader at the back, Amankwah Mireku captained Hearts of Oak during their most dominant era. He played a pivotal role in the club’s 2000 CAF Champions League triumph and several league title wins. Mireku was known for his relentless work rate, overlapping runs, and solid defensive acumen, making him one of the most dependable right-backs of his generation.
Left Back: Harrison Afful (Asante Kotoko)
Before achieving international success with Esperance and later in Major League Soccer with Columbus Crew, Harrison Afful started his career with Asante Kotoko. Known for his pace, energy, and pinpoint crosses, Afful was a constant threat on the flanks. He later became a key figure for the Ghana national team, representing the Black Stars at the FIFA World Cup and multiple AFCON tournaments.
Center Back: Dan Acquah (Asante Kotoko)
A rock in the heart of defense, Dan Acquah was a commanding presence in Kotoko’s backline during the early 2000s. Renowned for his aerial dominance and physicality, Acquah’s no-nonsense style of defending helped Kotoko win titles and frustrate opposing attackers. His leadership at the back made him a central figure in the Porcupine Warriors’ defensive setup.
Center Back: Dan Quaye (Hearts of Oak)
Tough and uncompromising, Dan Quaye was an integral part of Hearts of Oak’s golden generation. His hard tackles, excellent positioning, and determination contributed to the Phobians’ domestic and continental success. He was also part of Ghana’s 2006 FIFA World Cup squad, underlining his pedigree at both club and international level.
Midfielder: Lawrence Adjah Tetteh (Hearts of Oak)
A midfield dynamo, Lawrence Adjah Tetteh was the engine room of Hearts of Oak’s midfield during their dominance in the early 2000s. A tireless worker and tactical shield in front of the backline, Adjah Tetteh combined steel with intelligence. His ability to break up play and transition into attack was vital to Hearts’ local and continental glory.
Midfielder: Daniel Nii Adjei (Asante Kotoko)
One of the most composed and intelligent midfielders to play in the league, Daniel Nii Adjei captained Asante Kotoko to multiple league titles before moving to TP Mazembe, where he won the CAF Champions League. A deep-lying playmaker with an eye for a pass, Nii Adjei was the heartbeat of any team he played for, excelling in both domestic and continental competitions.
Midfielder: Jordan Opoku (Asante Kotoko)
A product of the Feyenoord Academy (now WAFA), Jordan Opoku brought finesse and elegance to the midfield. With sublime technique, vision, and dribbling, Opoku orchestrated play and created chances with ease. He played a key role in Kotoko’s title-winning campaigns and became a symbol of creativity in the Ghana Premier League.
Forward: Francis Akwaffo (Asante Kotoko)
Quick, tricky, and direct, Francis Akwaffo was a winger capable of changing games with moments of magic. Known for his skillful dribbling and ability to beat defenders, Akwaffo thrilled Kotoko fans during his time at the club. His flair and attacking threat made him one of the most entertaining players of his time.
Forward: Bernard Dong Bortey (Hearts of Oak)
Nicknamed “The Serial Killer,” Bernard Dong Bortey was a phenomenon in the Ghana Premier League. With blistering pace, mesmerizing footwork, and a knack for spectacular goals, Bortey was a constant menace to defenders. A key part of Hearts’ dominance in the early 2000s, he won multiple league titles and remains one of the most iconic figures in the league’s history.
Forward: Ismael Addo (Hearts of Oak)
Ismael Addo is arguably the most prolific striker in Ghana Premier League history. He won the league’s golden boot three times in a row between 1999 and 2001 and was crucial to Hearts of Oak’s domestic dominance and CAF Champions League triumph. Addo’s intelligence, timing, and deadly finishing made him a nightmare for defenders and a true legend of the league.
