FootyDream

Hearts of Oak have announced 22-man squad for tomorrow’s all-important fixture against Samartex FC in match-week six of the 2023/24 Ghana Premier League season. 

The ‘Phobians’ haven’t really started the season well and currently have just a win from the opening four matches despite having a game to spare.

The Rainbow Club have been out of action since the Dreams FC draw, having missed out on the last round of matches due to the postponement of their visit to Kpando Heart of Lions.

With just a win, a draw and two loses, Hearts of Oak are currently sitting on the 17th position with just four points and will need a win at all cost this time to exit the danger territory.

Martin Koopman has named a strong squad that includes all the notable players in there with no any major injuries or suspension worries. Ibrahim Salifu, Dennis Korsah, Kashala Ramos, Kofi Agbesimah, Eric Esso, captain Abdul Aziz Nurudeen, all made the cut.

The game is slated for 15:00GMT on Saturday, October 22, at the Ohene Gyan Stadium.

Below is the full squad: 

Richard Attah

Richmond Ayi

Kwabena Anane

Kofi Agbesimah

Kelvin Osei Assibey

Dennis Korsah

Liventius Arthur

Michael Ampadu

Apatasi Winimi Kwame Nsoh

Salifu Ibrahim

Martin Karikari

Nuredeen Aziz

Eric Esso

Suraj Seidu

Evans Adomako

Enoch Asubonteng

Glid Otanga

Hamza issah

Kashala Ramos

Linda mtange

Albert Eonde

Michelle Sarpong

Source: Kickgh

Veteran coach Bashir Hayford has backed Prosper Narteh Ogum to lead Asante Kotoko to another Ghana Premier League triumph.

Hayford who previously managed Asante Kotoko, is making a bold prediction for the 2023/24 Ghana Premier League season putting his confidence in the current Asante Kotoko coach, Prosper Ogum whom he believes possesses the tactical expertise and strategic skills necessary to lead the Kotoko squad to victory in the league.

Despite a slow start to the season, the Porcupine Warriors have recently regained their form with two consecutive wins against Accra Lions and Aduana Stars.

“They are doing very well at the moment. They have won two games in a row and looking at the league if they are able to win about four games and then go top of the league table, it will be difficult for the other teams to bring them down.

“So I am praying for Kotoko to go top of the league and you know when Kotoko is on top of the table, it is always hard for other teams to displace them, “Bashiru Hayford said.

“They are doing well. Ogum is someone who frequently calls me to discuss football and all that. He calls me “Uncle”.

“What the team went through in the very first games of the season was normal because it was a new team the coach is forming, it was not like the team was already there. Now they have played five games, people will start seeing the level of Kotoko after the tenth match going.”

The Kumasi-based club are now gearing up for a match against Nations FC on matchday six as Prosper Ogum embarks on a mission to end the season victorious having achieved the feat with the Porcupine Warriors two seasons ago.

Sourced GSN

Nations FC coach Kassim Mingle has expressed his discontent with referee Latif Qadri, advocating for his replacement in their upcoming game against Kotoko.

This appeal stems from Mingle’s dissatisfaction with Adaari’s performance in their previous match, a 1-1 draw against Legon Cities.

Desiring a return to winning form after faltering in their last two games, Nations FC are taking every possible measure, including exerting pressure to replace the referee, as they have reservations about his competence.

Mingle articulated his concerns, stating, “I would appreciate it if Latif Qadri is replaced as the referee for our game against Asante Kotoko due to the way he handled our match against Legon Cities. I was dissatisfied with it.”

He further noted that his concerns were not isolated, as others, including journalists present at the match, shared similar apprehensions about Adaari’s officiating.

The newly promoted side have managed to secure just one victory this season and is eager to secure another, hoping for impartial officiating as they face an in-form Kotoko. The Porcupine Warriors feel confident coming into the game because they have won their last two games, defeating Aduana FC and Accra Lions.

According to Mohammed Alhassan, a former goalie for Asante Kotoko, the team’s performance has drastically dropped in recent years.

He claims that Asante Kotoko’s recent results are causing the team to progressively lose its intimidating reputation in the local league and African interclub competitions.

“Asante Kotoko standards have fallen because they can’t boast of any top player as compared to previous years. Kotoko had top players like Charles Taylor, Stephen Oduro, Nana Arhin Duah and others, who won fans to the stadium but the narrative has changed this time. If the team had purchase some experienced players, they could have won fans to the stadium”

“During my days with Bofoakwa Tano, we used to train three times a day anytime about to engage Kotoko because we knew quality they possessed. We knew of threats from Charles Taylor, Stephen Oduro and others so anytime you face them you have to prepare well but it is not the same at the moment, Now, clubs are able to pick maximum points in Kumasi because of fallen standards” He said on Kessben TV.