Kotoko Beg Hearts To Drop Protest …But Phobia Demand Cash

Defending league champions Kumasi Asante Kotoko are virtually on their knees begging their arch-rivals Hearts of Oak to drop their proposed protest charges against the former.

Hearts are on their way to the Ghana Football Association (GFA's) Disciplinary Committee to file a protest against the Porcupine Warriors for using an unqualified player -Obed Owusu – who was serving a yellow card ban.

Should the Phobians walk their talk and present a genuine case which merits points deduction, the country's soccer governing body, GFA will deduct a total of six points from Kotoko's accumulated 38points.

That will send Kotoko to the relegation zone, a position they struggled to move away from after three straight wins.

Indications are that Kotoko's General Manager Samuel Opoku Nti has since their 2-1 win over Hearts been inundating officials of Hearts with calls to drop the charges.

Interestingly, a source close to the Phobians has hinted that Hearts will only agree to drop the charges on condition  that the Porcupine Warriors will make available to them striker Ahmed Toure, goalkeeper Eric Ofori Antwi plus cash.

Meanwhile, Liberty Professionals are putting together documents to also file a protest against Hearts of Oak for allowing newly-appointed Technical Director Can Vanli, who is yet to secure his work permit, to sit on the team's bench in their midweek clash.

Hearts will stay home to play Bechem United, while Kotoko travel to Tema to play Inter Allies in the First Capital Plus Premier league tomorrow.

Elsewhere, Aduana Stars will welcome Great Olympics to the Agyemang Badu Park with Liberty Professionals playing as guests of All Stars.

Current leaders Ashgold will battle Medeama, while Berekum Chelsea will play as guests of WAFA.

Hasaacas will face Lions at Kpando with relegation-bound BA United hosting relegation-threatened New Edubiase.

By Kofi Owusu Aduonum