Asante Kotoko will go head-to-head with their arch-rivals Hearts of Oak in the Super-Clash to headline match-week 13 of the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League on Sunday, December 15, at the iconic Baba Yara Stadium.
Originally scheduled earlier, the match was rescheduled following the 2024 General Elections held last week.
Current Form
Asante Kotoko head into the game with renewed confidence after ending a four-match losing streak with a vital 2-0 away win at Aduana Stars. The Porcupine Warriors were reeling from a five-game winless run but rallied to secure the three points, thanks to Patrick Asiedu’s brilliant free kick and a late goal from in-form Albert Amoah.
Amoah has been in sensational form, scoring a brace in Kotoko’s 2-0 victory over second-tier side Future Stars in the League Cup, bringing his tally to eight goals in all competitions.
On the other hand, Hearts of Oak are on a four-match unbeaten streak, with a three-game winning run in between. However, their winning streak was halted after a 1-1 draw at home against Nsoatreman FC. Despite this, the Phobians bounced back with an emphatic 4-0 victory over lower-division side Immigration FC in the MTN FA Cup.
League Standings
After 12 matches, Asante Kotoko sit 7th in the league with 18 points, having won 5, drawn 3, and lost 4. Hearts of Oak are just one place ahead in 6th with 19 points, having won 5, drawn 4, and lost 3.
Team News
Both teams had eight players training with the Black Galaxies this week: Frederick Asare, Benjamin Asare, Osei Asibey, Emmanuel Antwi, Hamza Issah, Mohammed Saani, Saaka Dauda, and Albert Amoah. All have returned to their respective clubs for the big game.
Coach Prosper Narteh Ogum has a fully fit squad to choose from, while coach Aboubakar Ouattara is still uncertain about the availability of key player Saani Mohammed, who is nursing a groin injury.
Predictions and Key Players
Both teams have ramped up their preparations, with coaches and players exchanging bold words in the build-up to the highly anticipated clash. With plenty of anticipation from fans and bookmakers alike, this match is expected to be an exciting encounter.
Lineups
Asante Kotoko: Frederick Asare (GK), Lord Amoah, Patrick Asiedu, Samba O’Neil, Joseph Ablorh, Justice Blay (C), Andrews Ntim, Emmanuel Antwi, Saaka Dauda, Wisdom Fernando, Albert Amoah
Hearts of Oak: Benjamin Asare (GK – C), Ransford Mensah, Emmanuel Amankwah, Osei Asibey, Samuel Amofa, Theophilus Collinson, Salim Adams, Ramzy Yussif, Hussein Mohammed, Mawuli Wayo, Hamza Issah
Broadcast Channels: AFA Sports, Metro TV, Original TV, Net2 TV, Max TV
Prediction: Asante Kotoko 1-1 Hearts of Oak
Kickoff: 15:00 GMT (3:00 PM)
