On Sunday, Kotoko played one of their most tactically disciplined games the team has witnessed all season as they triumphed over Hearts in Accra.
A brace from Dauda Mohammed sealed all three points for the Porcupine Warriors.
Hearts' shape
Eddie Ansah decided to maintain consistency as he went with virtually the same side and shape that lost to New Edubiase last week. The key changes were in goal as Tetteh Luggard replaced Seidu Mutawakilu and the skillful Isaac Mensah replacing Thomas Abbey. This change meant Ansah was opting for more creativity in his team as opposed to hardwork. Sarbah Laryea and Emmanuel Hayford continued their pairing in the middle of the field while Foovi Aguidi and Kenneth Okoro played on top.
Kotoko shape
David Duncan’s starting lineup (pictured below) was more straightforward.
In the absence of Ahmed Toure, Obed Owusu led the line with Dauda Mohammed playing behind him in a 4-4-1-1 while Michael Akuffo played ahead of Kwadwo Poku in the centre of the field. The backline remained intact from last week with Abeiku Ainooson and Ahmed Adams continuing their partnership in the heart of defence.
Subs
Both coaches exhausted all their three subs but none of these subs altered their shape.
Hearts brought on Yamoah to replace Hayford in the centre of the park while Fiamenyo was brought on to partner Aguidi on top with Paul Acquah replacing Isaac Mensah on the wing.
For Kotoko, Richard Oti was brought on for Atta Kusi which meant Amos Frimpong moved to right back with Donkor moving to left back and Oti playing on the wing.
Akwasi Acheampong was also brought on to replace Abeiku Ainooson in a like for like change in the heart of defence. Kwadwo Poku was brought on to replace Obed Owusu but that was a purely time wasting substitution.
Conclusion
David Duncan’s tactical decisions were spot on in the game as Kotoko was solid in defence and fluid in attack. They managed to limit the influence of Hayford, Mensah and Kumi which proved to be the major difference on the day. Kotoko are deserved winners and should have won by more if not for awful finishing.
CLICK TO READ: Match report - Hearts 1-2 Kotoko
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Story by Ghana/Joy Sports/Kweku Arhin
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