Hearts of Oak vs Asante Kotoko combined XI – Five Hearts players make the cut

Hearts of Oak face Asante Kotoko in the biggest encounter of matchday 31 of the 2020/21 Ghana Premier League in Accra on Sunday.

As the two Ghana Premier League giants renew their fabled rivalry, Footydreamsgh.com takes on the task of choosing a combined XI from both squads based on performances this season in a 4-3-3 formation.

Razak Abalora GK – Asante Kotoko

Razak Abalora has been impressive for the Porcupine Warriors this campaign despite a few flaws since taking the number spot. He has been able to organise his back very well, conceding fewer goals. Abalora is an early contender for the goalkeeper of the season so far.

Ismail Abdul Ganiyu – Asante Kotoko

Ganiyu has impressed so well and his great performance in the season secured him a Black Stars call-up. He has been solid at the back for Kotoko, scoring goals as well as a defender.

Robert Addo Sowah – Hearts Of Oak

Sowah has been reliable in defence this season and his performances in the past games have been very impressive. He has established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the league. His aerial ability, speed and reading of the game is superb and his presence at the back of the Phobians has been profitable.

Raddy Ovouka – Hearts Of Oak

The marauding full-back has been a revelation so far this season. His impressive performance in the league has been securing him national team call-ups. The Congolese recovery pace is remarkable and very strong on the ball. He surges forward to help the Hearts’ frontline.

Christopher Nettey – Asante Kotoko

Nettey has been a pillar at the back for the Porcupine Warriors featuring in most of the games so far for the Reds. Despite a stern competition from youngster Samuel Frimpong, Nettey has been solid for Kotoko with his surging runs on the flanks although a bit slow when defending. He has so far netted once and always impressive despite the injuries.

Benjamin Afutu Kotei – Hearts Of Oak

Quickly becoming a fan favourite, Afutu has caught the eye in the middle of the park with his impressive display so far. His incredible work rate and dazzle on the ball has seen him start ahead of Frederick Ansah Botchway. He has scored 5 goals so far for the Phobians.

Mudasiru Salifu – Asante Kotoko

Mudasiru is peerless in the league with his looking at contribution to the team. He has been superb in recent outings for Kotoko. His positional sense is impressive as well and will just need an injury-free career to become great.

Fabio Gama Dos Santos – Asante Kotoko

A lot was said about the diminutive midfielder even when he had not kicked a ball. He can control the tempo of the game and that’s why he starts in midfield. He has scored 4 goals with 7 assists so far and 3 MVP awards in the league in his debut season in the Premier League.
Splitting defences with his passes and making intelligent runs in the box to open up spaces for his teammates.

Emmanuel Gyamfi – Asante Kotoko

The Kotoko forward is one of the most improved players in the second round of the league. He continues to blossom each matchday. He looks more dangerous when surging forward and with him on the flanks, Kotoko is assured of productive runs. Gyamfi has used his pace to good effect usually engineering most of Kotoko’s attacks.

Kwadwo Obeng Junior – Hearts Of Oak

Obeng Junior has proven to be reliable for the Phobians having scored 9 goals so far in the season. The strength and power he posses make it difficult for defenders to contain him. His positioning in the final third is remarkable and will because of a lot of problems for the Kotoko backline.

Daniel Afriyie Barnieh – Hearts Of Oak

Barnieh has been fantastic this season for Hearts although he missed some games due to his involvement in the U-20 Afcon. His power and strength on the ball is impressive. Although he misses a lot of chances his work rate has been superb as a forward