Old rivalries will be renewed again when Kumasi Asante Kotoko take on rivals, Accra Hearts of Oak, in a semi-final clash in the on-going GHALCA Top Six tourney at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.
Kotoko set up the semi-final tie with the Phobians last Monday evening after beating Wa All Stars by 2-0 in their final group game while Hearts though struggling, made it after losing their first game against Aduana and settling for a 1-1 draw with Medeama.
Whether the results prior to this epic encounter will have an effect on their performance will be something to ponder about as both teams prepare for the resumption of the next premier league season.
While in search for a substantive coach to take over after the departure of Yaw Preko, Hearts will take advantage to showcase their new signing, Malik Akowuah, from Medeama while the Porcupine Warriors will be hoping to impress under new management led by Dr. Kwaku Kyei.
That notwithstanding, Kotoko will surely go all out to see off the Phobians who they have largely toppled in almost every encounter this year. Apart from the 1-1 draw in the second-round league fixture in Kumasi and the UN Peace match in Accra, which ended 2-2, Kotoko have beaten Hearts two times in 2016.
The first was in the league on May 2, 2016 and then the President Cup on July 1, 2016.
Sunday’s fixture promises to be a thrilling encounter.
However, it remains to be seen whether Kotoko can emerge victorious or the Phobians would be able to shake off their lethargy.
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