Hearts-Kotoko look to end August jinx

Fans of the two best supported teams in Ghana will wonder how the latest installment of their storied rivalry has become a battle for their very survival in the top flight.

Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak have long dominated the domestic terrain,winning more titles than all others whilst becoming storied dynasties but their 102nd meeting should give them pause for reflection on how internal bickering,poor recruitment, administrative incompetence and a sheer disregard for best practise has brought the two clubs to this point.

Never in the history of these two clubs have they been threatened by relegation at this stage of the league, and ahead of their big clash and pressure is building on Togbe Afede and Opoku Nti, executive heads of Accra Hearts of Oak and Kotoko respectively from fans who are desperate to see an upturn in fortunes.

The form guide ahead of the game does not make for pretty reading for both teams but there is more than enough motivation for both clubs to make this perhaps the best match in a long while.

The Phobians are sitting 14th on the league log with 3 points separating them from Kotoko who are 11th. A defeat for Hearts of Oak would make it difficult to lift themselves from the drop zone but their record this season against Kotoko will give them cause for optimism having beaten them in the league and also recently in the President's Cup.

Kotoko will also be quietly happy they will not come up against experienced goal keeper,Soulama Abdoulaye an ex player who will be suspended after picking up a red card in a league game against Kpando Hearts of Lions. The porcupine Warriors will be even more satisfied with the return of their own import Ahmed Toure, who has recovered from a bout of malaria.

The Curse of August

August is the month both teams have failed to crack.12 matches have been played in that month with both clubs owning three wins apiece. The last win for an August clash between the two sides came in 1987 when two goals from the late George Arthur gave Kotoko the win.

Coaches on the brink

Accra Hearts of Oak have told Edward Ansah he will oversee the team's campaign till the end of the season. The ex-goalkeeper has experience from an impressive international career spanning two decades and also spent time coaching in South Africa and his confirmation could give him the confidence that he requires. David Duncan's Kotoko career is not going according to plan and though the win over Ashgold might have bought him some breathing space, he needs this win over the club's archenemy to perhaps cement his place in the dugout for another season.