Hearts of Oak will renew its old-age rivalry with Asante Kotoko this afternoon at the Accra Sports Stadium in the return leg of the Super 2 friendly match.

Hearts’ Burkina Faso goalkeeper Soulama Abdoulaye is also on international duty and so would miss the reunion against his former club.

A nine-man Hearts were beaten 2-0 by Kotoko in a thrilling first league encounter at a capacity-filled Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

Hearts were just on the up, when Kotoko nailed the first goal through Ahmed Toure’s header in the first half, and they were undone late on in the game when substitute Dauda Mohammed scored the aggregate cushion with less than 15 minutes to go.

Herbert Addo’s side failed to get into groove in the game, and the head coach admitted the pressure of playing in such a high-profile atmosphere inhibited his players.

“It was a very interesting game in the sense that, most of our players have not played in this derby game or confronted Kotoko. Kotoko is our biggest rival and I think most of the players in Kotoko were really hyped [sic] for the match. It was an experience for my boys; they did not do too badly considering the situation but I was not really happy with some of the decision of the referee – but such is the game,” said the Hearts of Oak head coach.

“Even when we had two men disadvantage, we were pushing and hoping to get a goal, but the problem was that our passes were going astray. They were not accurate enough which is not good because we lost a lot of possession and passing movements. So we will have to work on that and correct that aspect. If our passes are quick and accurate, it will make a lot of difference.”

Quizzed what really went against his side in the first encounter, after playing second best for the early part of the game, Herbert continued: “It was not a matter of too much respect, but our passes were not going. Our midfield, most of their passes were through the middle instead of opening up the game. Our strikers were a bit sluggish, especially Hamza Mohammed, who has to buck up because if you look at his sharpness last week and this week, there is a lot of contrast. But we have to work on him to maintain the same standard for a longer period – which is not one-match on, one-match off.”

Hearts started with a new combination in central midfield where Leonard Tawiah and Richard Yamoah took turns to anchor in the middle, but coach Addo feels the duo can form a strong partnership.

“[Leonard] Tawiah and [Richard] Yamoah are both similar players, but Yamoah hasn’t gotten into his stride yet. Tawiah has been here for about a month and so he has got a bit used to the players and the tactics, and the role he is supposed to play, and he is beginning to function,” Addo added.

“Yamoah is a player who has got a lot of stamina, he has got a lot of experience and I think he has to get used to the new tactical play; but I think when he gets used to it, he will be very fantastic. He has got a lion’s heart, he tackles, distributes and he has got a very powerful shot, and all these qualities have to be brought out as soon as possible. I think we have a very strong midfield.”

Despite Hearts playing with a 2-man disadvantage, Herbert Addo insists his main problem is the solidity of the midfield. However, he is hopeful his players can overturn the scores against Kotoko on Sunday.

“My main problem is the midfielders coming to solidify the midfield and stopping the opponents from advancing towards our defense or defenders; I think that will also come. In fact the last match we played; they did very well,” he said.

“You will see a different situation, different attitude and different type of play. We just have to work to correct our mistakes and make sure that what we have to do, we do it better and then we can redeem the goals, and maybe even score more goals.”

Coach Herbert Addo also touched on the support of the fans in Kumasi and says his team will make Hearts fans happy when the season starts.

“I was personally very happy because the game gave the fans the opportunity to see the new players with the exception of the two goalkeepers, who are on national assignments, but most of the supporters appreciated the performance of the boys in a way. We will make the fans happy soon when the season starts,” he concluded.

Tetteh Luggard, who had a great game in Kumasi, despite conceding two goals is likely to continue in goal, whilst Red-carded duo, Robin Gnagne and Leonard Tawiah have been cleared to play again in the return league.

Gilbert Fiamenyo, Foovi Aguidi, Kwame Kizito, Kenneth Okoro, Gerald Odupong, and Selasi Adjei will have to sharpen their arsenals if Hearts are to get a way back into the game.

The Phobians missed a couple of chances in the game and they will have to be clinical if they are to overturn the 2-0 goal deficit on Sunday.