Kotoko without these FIVE key players for Hearts of Oak clash on Sunday
Giants Asante Kotoko are without FIVE key players for their crucial Ghana Premier League clash against Hearts of Oak.
Ahead of the game, the Porcupine Warriors have been struck by a number of absentees from the squad for varied reasons.
Captain Abdul Ismail Ganiyu is missing with suspension after picking a straight red card in the home stalemate against Karela United on matchday 22.
Meanwhile, midfielder Richmond Lamptey hasn’t been able to take part in training due to a leg injury and has been ruled out of the game according to reports from Kumasi.
WATCH how Patrick Razak tormented Kotoko the last time Hearts clashed with the Porcupine Warriors at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
Isaac Oppong, who hit a rich vein of form in the early part of the season, has also been ruled out together with defender Andrew Apau.
There is fresh concern for midfielder Justice Blay who played an improvised central defensive role against King Faisal last Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Phobians have amassed more points than Kotoko in the last 5 matches played in the league going into the fixture (10 points) – W3 D1 L1. The Porcupine Warriors have 9 points – W2 D3 L0.
This is the first time Hearts of Oak are visiting the Baba Yara Sports Stadium to take on Kotoko since April 2018. Winger Patrick Razak struck a 67th-minute goal to hand the maximum points to the Phobians. The goal came at a time Hearts were on the back foot with Kotoko in control of proceedings. Assistant coach Edward Nii Odoom took charge of the tie while head coach Henry Wellington was away on sick leave.
FACTS
H2H since 1958
- Since 1958 Kotoko have played as a home team as Hearts of Oak in the league on 52 occasions.
- The Porcupine Warriors have amassed 18 wins against the Phobians
- Meanwhile, Hearts of Oak have also won 18
- There are 16 drawn games involving the two sides.
H2H since the introduction of the Ghana Premier League on 19th December 1993 which formed part of the 1993/94 season.
- Number of games played between the two sides – 47
- Number of Kotoko wins – 10
- Number of Hearts of Oak wins – 17
- Number of drawn games – 20
- Number of Kotoko goals scored – 41
- Number of Hearts of Oak goals scored – 51
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Source: Sports
