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UPDATE: Kotoko attacked by robbers on Sunday morning. Click to read

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That sets the tone for Sunday's game.

Usually, clashes between between both sides have often determined winners of a competition, but the script is different as both teams battle to escape the drop.

The stakes are equally high as all the finals played between both teams as a negative result for either side could potentially spell their doom.

HOW THEY GOT HERE

Both teams began the season full of promise with the hope of clinching the Premier League. 

Kotoko were coming in on the back of a league and cup triumph. The mastermind behind the double, Didi Dramani was still in the helm of affairs and had added quality signings such as Obed Owusu, Jackson Owusu and Kojo Poku to their ranks.

Hearts of Oak on the other had re-signed experienced coach Herbert Addo who had just performed a miracle escape with minnows Inter-Allies. The Phobians had also bolstered their ranks with exciting youngsters such as Kwame Kizito, Richard Yamoah and Isaac Oduro.

Herbert’s second reign as Hearts was expected to be equally glorious as his first as he won the league and went unbeaten with the team in his two seasons.

Hearts were particularly impressive in pre-season playing some delectable football during the Top 4 competition.

UNFORTUNATELY...

The scripts did not go as planned as both teams suffered from inconsistency. 

Kotoko started the season with two victories out of seven with Didi Dramani paying for this with his job as he paved way for ex-Hearts coach David Duncan while Hearts of Oak registered only six wins under Herbert Addo in 21 games to see him replaced by goalkeeper’s trainer Eddie Ansah.

Kotoko lie 11th on the league with 32 points while Hearts lie 14th with 29 points.

Their form has been so bad former Ghana star, Mohammed Polo ripped into both clubs labelling them as disgraceful.

“I think it is a disgrace to you as a player because Hearts and Kotoko are not small teams that you have to carry them to that level,” Polo said.

STAGE IS SET

There has been much talk from both sides as they go in search of these priceless points. A Kotoko win will spell doom for the Phobians while a Kotoko defeat will see the Phobians rise above the Porcupine Warriors as a result of having a better head to head.

Knowing fully well how this can impact the Phobians season, former chairman Harry Zakour said on Asempa F.M  declared their intention to carry the day.

“We are going all out. Whatever happens we need to win the match,” Zakour said

“I am doing everything possible to ensure Hearts of Oak come out of relegation.”

Hearts of Oak caretaker coach Eddie Ansah is confident of ensuring his side climb on top of their eternal rivals on Sunday as he looks to restore a bit of Phobian pride.

“Sunday's game is a rivalry game. Hearts-Kotoko games are always tough matches. Form does not guide anyone but we believe we have the trump card over Kotoko. We have a whole week to prepare forthe game.”  Ansah said.

Striker Ahmed Toure, who has an impressive record against the Phobians, on the other hand was hopeful his side can carry the day on Sunday as they look to better their position on the log.

“Whenever Hearts of Oak play against Kotoko it’s a big game and every player wants to give off his best,” Toure, who has 10 goals in 21 appearances this season, charged.

“We know that they [have] challenges but we are also aware that we need to pick up points to be able to remain competitive. So we are focused on picking up all three points on the day to improve our lots.”

VERDICT

Ghanaian soccer fans will be treated to one of the most entertaining games in a while. Both teams will go for the win and this will make for an exciting encounter with free flowing exciting football

Both coaches will set up to attack each other which can result in end to end action . 

Nerves will surely be high as every misplaced pass or mistake can ultimately decide the winner of the day.

The team with the best organization combined with a little bit of luck will most likely carry the day.

TEAM NEWS:

HEARTS OF OAK

Hearts of Oak will still be without winger Ashittey Ollenu as he is yet to recover from a groin injury in Hearts of Oak’s FA Cup Quarter final clash. There a still doubts over  the first round hero Selasie Adjei as he races against time to be fit for this game after a heavy clash with goalkeeper Mozart Adjetey in the Phobian’s tie against Heart of Lions.

Midfielder Fatawu Mohammed said: "We are very happy for the coming game and we are ready for battle. We know that if we lose this match, it is not going to be easy for us; we will go down on the table, but we hope we will get victory on Sunday. 

"There is no pressure going into this game because we have six matches to play but we will have to prove that on
Sunday." 

No Soulama

Hearts will be without goalkeeper Abdoulaye Soulama.

The Burkina Faso international is still serving out his mandatory three-game ban after being shown the red card in last week’s 4-0 win over Heart of Lions.

Tetteh Luggard is thus set to be handed a starting role for Hearts on Sunday.

These two alongside the suspended Soulama Abdoulaye will be the notable absentees in tomorrow’s game. The main head aches for Eddie Ansah will be whether to play a two prong attack or play the Togolese Foovi Aguidi on top alone. 

If he does play with two, who partners FoovI?

Hearts team manager Sabahn Quaye: "Our destiny is in our own hands. We cannot draw on Sunday. We are going to beat Kotoko on Sunday. The fans know we have the character in matches of this kind and so the fans should come to the stadium.

“We have taken pressure to ourselves by being at the position where we are, I can really say a divided house can’t stand but take it from me we will escape relegation.”

ASANTE KOTOKO:

David Duncan will have more of a settled team heading into this game. The return of Abeiku Ainooson was a welcome relief for the team as their defensive line looks all but secured. The major dilemma for Duncan will be whether to continue with the Kojo Poku and Jackson Owusu combination in midfield or introduced the more experienced Michael Akuffo to the team.

The inclusion of Ahmed Toure will be touch and go until kickoff but it is expected that the Ivorian will start upfront partnered by youngster Dauda Mohammed.

Ahmed Toure said: “Whenever Hearts of Oak play against Kotoko it’s a big game and every player wants to give off his best.” 

Toure, who has 11 goals in 21 appearances this season, charged: “We know that they [have] challenges but we are also aware that we need to pick up points to be able to remain competitive. So we are focused on picking up all three points on the day to improve our lots.”

Get more Hearts v Kotoko buildup in the following pieces:

CLICK TO READ: ANALYSIS - 8 players to define Sunday's Super Clash 

CLICK TO READ: Best 5 moments of last Hearts v Kotoko games in Accra

CLICK TO READ: Ahmed Toure wants total Kotoko focus  

CLICK TO READ: Ali Maradona lashes out at 'inconsistent' GFA DC  

CLICK TO READ: Eddie Ansah: "We've got Kotoko figured out"

ELSEWHERE...

- It's easy to think this will be the only game going on during the matchday, but there will be five others. Click here to read the bumper preview for the rest of the games.

THE NUMBERS

* HEARTS YET TO LOSE DAY 25 HOME GAME SINCE 1999.

1999 Hearts 2-1 Hasaacas
2000 Hearts 2-1 Faisal
2001 Hearts 3-1 Adanseman
2002 Hearts 2-0 Hasaacas
2005/06 Hearts 1-1 Kotoko
2007/08 Hearts 2-0 Kessben
2009/10 Hearts 1-0 Aduana
2011/12 Hearts 0-0 Dwarfs

Matches played – 8
Hearts winning – 6
Drawing – 2
Goals scored – 13
Goals conceded – 4

*ASANTE KOTOKO YET TO LOSE DAY 25 AWAY GAME SINCE 1999.

2003 Olympics 0-1 Kotoko
2005/06 Hearts 1-1 Kotoko
2006/07 Lions 1-1 Kotoko
2008/09 Chelsea 0-1 Kotoko
2009/10 RTU 0-1 Kotoko
2011/12 Mighty Jets 0-2 Kotoko
2013/14 Hasaacas 1-1 Kotoko

Matches played -7
Kotoko Winning -4
Drawing -3
Goals scored -8
Goals conceded -3

* The last AWAY side to prevent Hearts from scoring at HOME is Inter-Allies who secured a goal-less drawn game on 21st June 2015 on match Day 19 in the 2014/15 season.

Since then, they have kept 1 clean sheet in 2 games.

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The Joy Sports team will be providing an hour-long buildup from 2pm on the Sports Arena. Catch the online updates on Facebook and Twitter @Joy997FM