Accra, Feb. 22, GNA – The recent ‘Super Clash’ between Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko despite the stalemate did produce lots of drama both off and on the field.
It was a highly enthralling spectacle to watch and did live up to the massive hype and here are some few observations during and after the match:
Kotoko still firm title favourites
Kotoko go into the second round of the 2021/22 Ghana Premier League as huge favourites to clinch the coveted trophy as they are seven points clear of the top followed by Bechem who have 30 points.
The Porcupine Warriors seem to have a lot of quality players on the field of play as well as their bench which looks rock solid.
The likes of Justice Blay and Richard Boadu who came on as substitutes, matched up the quality of Mudasiru Salifu and Dickson Afoakwa who were taken off likewise Imoro Ibrahim who was replaced by Patrick Asmah due to injury.
Hearts gradually becoming formidable
Hearts undoubtedly stepped up their performance in the Super Clash and the telepathy between Sulley Ali Muntari and Gladson Awako was sublime to watch as they showcased quality on the ball.
The blended very well with the young players including Abdul Aziz Nurudeen and Salim Adams who were full of energy in the middle of the park.
Despite the inconsistencies in their results over past few matches, Hearts have played some good football but have been unable to capitalize on their numerous chances created during matches.
Coaching rivalry
There seem to be some of kind rivalry building up between the two coaches especially after yesterday’s post-match interviews with both managers throwing verbal jabs at each other.
Sunday’s meeting was the fourth time both coaches were meeting in the Ghana Premier League with Prosper Ogum Nartey winning twice both with WAFA while Samuel Boadu has won once with former side Medeama. The other was the recent stalemate.
Samuel Boadu has indeed not lost against Kotoko since he took the managerial role at Hearts having managed two draws and a win and asserted at yesterday’s presser that Kotoko can’t even beat him even if he handles Hearts junior side, Auroras.
Boadu’s assertion came after Prosper Ogum Nartey had earlier stated that Hearts played their best game on Sunday, something which was refuted by Boadu who indicated that their best game of the first round was against Legon Cities which also ended in draw.
Massive Spectatorship
The insurgence of the Coronavirus pandemic did have a massive impact on spectatorship for the past two years during Super Clash. There were instances where matches had to be played under closed doors or reduced capacity.
But the euphoria around Sunday’s clash was epic and despite 30,000 fans allowed to watch the match, the numbers seemed massive and was almost filled to the rafters.
The chants from both spectators was very massive especially from Phobians who were heard in their ‘Never Say Die” voices while Kotoko chanted ‘Amen, Amen,..”
Security Issues
Even though the security issues around the Super Clash has been improved over the years, more has to be done to ensure the safety of the players, match officials, journalists and fans.
Coach Prosper Ogum Nartey when asked about the need for security to improved at match venues across the country said: “I think there are certain venues which are not friendly at all. They threat you like hated enemies and not friendly rivals; talk of the intimidations and threats and somethings some of them what to beat you up.
“I am of the view that the security components of our league should be beefed, so that it would be safe going to such venues,” he said.
GNA