Accra Hearts of Oak will be taking on Kumasi Asante Kotoko on Monday at the Accra Sports Stadium in the biggest clash of the Ghana Premier League.
While Hearts have enjoyed a tremendous run to the start of the season, Kumasi Asante Kotoko are struggling their pursuit of their second win of the season.
After carefully observing the Phobians and their stupendous performance in the season so far, Kumasi Asante Kotoko will have be wary of the following players if they want to record a historic win in Accra on Monday.
Soulama Abdoulaye – GK: The experienced goalie needs no introduction and his form in the season is the reason the Phobians have been winning their matches. Soulama’s experience this season has contributed to his defensive organization of the Phobians. The communication between him and the back four is so apt that they even understand each other with blinking an eye. His great save against AshGold, Techiman City, Inter Allies and New Edubiase ensure the Phobians picked all points in these matches but for the point away at Techiman. He will be a real stumbling block to the win of the Fabulous Boys.
Robin Gnagne: The captain of the Phobians is one of the two most consistent players in the team around whom Coach Kenichi Yatsuhashi is building the new Hearts of Oak. He has played all nine matches for the Phobians in the league this season and is a pillar in their defence. His partnership with Richard Akrofi has been solid for the Phobians and will pose a huge barrier between the Kotoko attack and their defence.
Mustapha Essuman: He is experienced and an organizer in midfield for the team. He commands respects from his team mates and is able to tell them what to do at what time. He tackles very well and is a good passer of the ball. He has played a part in all the goals that have been scored by the Phobians in the league this season. He holds the key to Kotoko’s defeat. Kotoko must watch him well if they want to win against Hearts in Accra.
Isaac Mensah: One player who has been very influential to Hearts brilliant start in the season is Isaac Mensah but only a few people have noticed that. He has been instrumental to Kenichis’ campaign this season and has played eight out of the nine matches so far. Very smart and intelligent on the ball and gives defence splitting passes. His dynamism in the Hearts team has ensured that he has won two MVPs in the season so far.
Cosmos Dauda: Cosmos Duada has so far provided a solution to the attacking woes of the Phobians. With four goals in eight matches, the former Mighty Jets attacker has proved his buy so far. His brace against AshGold has sent signals that he is really ready to cause an upset against the archrivals on Monday. He is a real attacker and not just a striker. He is the type that attacks defence and does not only strike. A good day for Cosmos will spell doom for the Fabulous lads.
By: Sheikh Tophic Sienu @desheikh1 on twitter