KOTOKO VS HEARTS: 5 players that excelled in the Super Clash

The Super Clash ended 1-1 in Kumasi with both set of supporters visibly happy with the outcome. The quality on display was high with end to end action. Which players excelled in the game?

MUSAH INUSAH
After missing the whole of the first round with injury, the lanky center back has returned to provide quality and calm in the Phobian defence. The lanky center back was an assured figure in the heart of the Phobian defence combining aerial prowess with good solid tackling. He hardly put a foot wrong all game with his only blip being a late reaction to Soulama’s parried which cost Hearts the first goal. Inusah continued with his fine form against Kotoko after scoring against the Porcupine Warriors in Accra last year. It comes as no surprise he was named man of the match.

RICHARD OSEI AGYEMAN
Just like the Hearts of Oak center back Inusah, Osei Agyeman was the leading figure in a make shift Kotoko backline which was without leading center back Ahmed Adams. The former Berekum Chelsea center back paired with captain Amos Frimpong and displayed grit and tenacity in the heart of the Porcupine defence. Agyeman brought the ball out of the back very well and it was one of his pinpoint passes from defence which led to Kwame Boateng’s goal. It is very ironic Osei Agyeman was singled out for criticism after being played in a defensive midfield role against Bechem United last week for poor distribution and use of the ball. He was spot on in the tie against the Phobians.

PATRICK RAZAK
Need we say much about Razak? The former Tamale Utrecht winger has been a useful addition for the Phobians and he brought his ‘A’ game to bare. Speed, direct running and good work ethics characterized his display on the day and he was duly rewarded with a goal in the second after great work from Isaac Mensah. Hearts of Oak have a real gem in Razak and if he works on his end product, he will surely become of the most complete players in the local league. He has already gained recognition from opposing manager Michael Osei.

EMMANUEL GYAMFI
Hearts speed was equaled by Emmanuel Gyamfi who exposed the lack of true full backs for Hearts of Oak. The former Wa All Stars winger had the fans expectant anytime he had the ball as he pack and trickery were a handful for the Phobians all day. His lovely volley was parried by Soulama resulting in Kwame Boateng’s goal but he added more than that. Richard Akrofi and Thomas Abbey were happy to see his back as he run at them time and again. Gyamfi consistently swapped flanks at Hearts peril causing mayhem. An impressive Super Clash debut for the wide men.

KWAME BOATENG
A debut goal on your Super Clash debut..Kwame Boateng could not have asked for more. The former Olympics striker has endured a torrid spell with injury since joining the Porcupine Warriors, but paid a large chunk of his transfer fee with the display against the Phobians. He enjoyed the physical battle with Reuben Gnagne and by and large led the Kotoko line alone after Dauda Mohammed remained a passenger throughout. He chased every loose ball and consistently made himself a nuisance up top. An asset for Kotoko if well looked after.

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Story by Ghana/Joy Sports/Kweku Arhin