Soccer News of Sunday, 1 May 2016

Source: goal.com

Hearts eye first home win over Kotoko since 2009

Kotoko coach Michael Osei Kotoko coach Michael Osei

The two most glamorous clubs in Ghana meet at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday in matchday ten of Ghana Premier League, following a previous week of contrasting fortunes.

Hearts overcame their winless streak with a 2-1 away victory over Ashanti Gold in Obuasi on Wednesday, but Kotoko were stunned at home by Edubiase United 1-0 thanks to Prince Antwi's 22nd-minute goal.

Hearts can take a big step towards winning their first title since 2009 with a win on the day, as they're only two points behind leaders Wa All Stars who travel to Tarkwa to play Medeama while Kotoko are seven points behind.

The Phobians manager Kenichi Yatsuhashi, unlike his opponent Michael Osei, who has enjoyed the atmosphere as a player in the past, will be playing the top-flight’s biggest rivalry.

"It's the biggest match and I'm enjoying it at the moment. The two biggest clubs in Ghana are playing against each other in the league and if you can't enjoy this moment then there's something wrong with the football pattern," Kenichi said.

"We've tried to improve in every match and my job is to try to improve our games from our previous ones. In that sense, there's nothing different. Other than that, we are directing all kinds of energies to our play, the fans expectations, media attentions and other superstitions ahead of it and may be the only different thing.

"The game is 50-50 for both clubs but what makes us different again from them is how badly we want to win this game and it's the best time," he added.

Both clubs have met 54 times in all at the Accra Sports Stadium. Each side have won 15 of those, with 23 ending in stalemates.

Recent history favours the visitors as Hearts have failed to win in five of the last five Super Clashes at home while Kotoko have won three of their five previous trips, with the latest being a 2-1 victory in August 2015.

Kotoko have scored five goals within this period with Hearts managing one.