Ghanaian International Sulley Ali Muntari is likely to make his Hearts of Oak bow on Sunday when the Phobians lock horns with their city rivals Accra Great Olympics in the Ga Mashie derby on Match Day 16 of the Ghana Premier League.
The former Inter Milan player who signed a one year control with Hearts of Oak on Tuesday is fully fit and available for selection as the two rivals clash at the Accra Sports stadium in search of three points to improve their placing in the League log. Muntari – a Ghanaian International with rich vein of experience spanning two decades first played for Liberty Professionals but never featured in the Premier League before leaving for Europe in 2002.
The 37 year old went on to play in three FIFA World Cup tournaments and two Africa Cup of Nations finals. He also won the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup with Inter Milan in 2010 with Inter Milan.
Hearts of Oak and Great Olympics have not been overly impressive this term compared to their dominant display in the 2020/21 season which saw Hearts of Oak emerge champions after a great resurgence in the second round of the season saw them beat rivals Asante Kotoko to the title.
The Champions moved to the 5th spot in the League following a 1-0 win against King Faisal on Sunday – with Kojo Obeng Jnr netting the only goal of the match in a stern contest. In recent weeks, they have improved tremendously at home having picked three wins and one draw in their last four outings.
The former African Champions hammered Eleven Wonders 4-1 at the Accra Sports Stadium before travelling to Aiyinase where they suffered a painful 1-0 defeat.
With four wins, one draw and two defeats in their last seven Premier League matches, Hearts of Oak have amassed 23 points after 15 matches – 10 points behind leaders Asante Kotoko and three points behind Bechem United who are in fourth place with 26 points.
Kofi Kordzie failed to score against Karela United and King Faisal but his recent form for the Phobians is quite impressive as he grabbed a brace against Eleven Wonders and added to his tally in their 5-2 FA Cup win against Golden Kicks.
Coach Samuel Boadu’s side are finding goals from different sources aside top marksman Kofi Kordzie (6 goals), with the likes of James Serwornu, Daniel Afriyie Barnieh and Kojo Obeng Jnr. finding the back of the net in recent matches.
Accra Great Olympics lost Gladson Awako to Hearts of Oak before the start of the season with the U-20 World Cup winner going onto make 10 appearances for the Phobians and scoring 1 goal in the process. The Dade Boys come into the game buoyed by the return of Samuel Ashie Quaye who left the club in August in search of greener pastures in Switzerland.
Great Olympics have won two, drawn four and lost one in their last seven League matches – with their only win dating back to January 23, when they defeated King Faisal 2-1 in Accra.
Great Olympics are 7th in the League log with 22 points – 11 points behind leaders Asante Kotoko and one behind Hearts of Oak who are in 5th place.
The pick of the pack is scheduled for 3pm kick off at the Accra Sports stadium on Sunday and will be live on StarTimes Adepa channel 247.
In other Sunday fixtures – Karela United will host Legon Cities at the CAM Park at Aiyinase. Eleven Wonders who are in desperate need for points to turn their season play host to WAFA at the Ohene Ameyaw Park in Techiman while Bibiani Gold Stars clash with two time Champions Aduana FC at DUN’S Park.
Dreams FC will come up against Berekum Chelsea at the Theatre of Dreams while Elmina Sharks battle with leaders Asante Kotoko at the Nduom Stadium on Monday.
