Two Records Hearts of Oak Can Rewrite Against Asante Kotoko in the Super Clash
Ghana’s fiercest club rivalry will once again take centre stage as Asante Kotoko host Accra Hearts of Oak in the Ghana Premier League at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.
Whenever these two giants collide, it is about more than just three points. Pride, history and bragging rights are all on the line for supporters in Kumasi and Accra.
Yet heading into this latest Super Clash, two significant records favour the Porcupine Warriors and Hearts of Oak have a chance to rewrite history.
Ending the Kumasi Drought
For years, Hearts fans regarded Kumasi as a ground where memorable results could be achieved. However, recent history tells a different story.
It has been 11 years since Hearts last defeated Kotoko in Kumasi—a narrow 1-0 victory which came in 2015 remains their most recent triumph at the venue.
Since that win, the Phobians have managed four draws and suffered three defeats in Kumasi, including losses in their last two visits.
A victory this time around would not only secure a massive result in the title race but also end an 11-year wait for a win on Kotoko’s home turf.
Breaking the Goals Barrier
Equally concerning for Hearts is their lack of firepower in Kumasi. The Phobians have not scored more than one goal against Kotoko in Kumasi since 2009, when they secured a 2-1 win.
Over the last decade, Hearts have managed just four goals in league matches played in Kumasi against their bitter rivals, a statistic that underlines Kotoko’s defensive dominance at home in this fixture.
Should Hearts find the net more than once on Sunday, they would break a long-standing scoring drought and etch a new chapter into the history books of this rivalry.
With pressure mounting and pride and bragging rights at stake, Hearts of Oak must be at their very best if they are to overcome history and silence the Kumasi faithful.
Their recent away record in the league gives hope that a win can be secured in Kumasi for the first time in 11 years. The Phobians have won their last 2 away games, beating Hohoe United and Eleven Wonders 1-0 and 3-0 respectively.