Exclusive: Evans Owusu: Kotoko vs Hearts of Oak – A Fixture That Defies Form

The most anticipated match in the Ghana Premier League is set for December 15th, as Asante Kotoko will host Hearts of Oak at Baba Yara Stadium, with both teams aiming for supremacy in this historic fixture.

The two football giants have had very different starts to the current season. Kotoko made a strong opening, remaining unbeaten in their first seven matches, while Hearts of Oak struggled, losing their first two games and securing just two wins in their opening seven fixtures.

However, the teams' fortunes have shifted since then. Hearts of Oak enter the match in better form, having won four of their last five games and drawn the other, while Kotoko will be hoping their recent form, which includes two wins following four consecutive losses, continues.

Ahead of the game, Sportsboom.com spoke with former Asante Kotoko defender Evans Owusu, who believes the rivalry goes beyond just three points, with the winner earning significant bragging rights.

SUPER CLASH IS A CAREER-DEFINING GAME

Over the years, several players have etched their names into the memories of Ghanaian football fans through their performances in the Super Clash.

One such player is Mukwala, who became a household name among Kotoko fans last season after scoring a brace in Kumasi against Hearts of Oak. His standout performance helped him gain widespread recognition, paving the way for a lucrative move to East Africa.

Owusu, renowned for his commanding display in Kotoko's 5-4 penalty victory over Hearts of Oak in the GFA Normalization Committee Special Cup and his incredible strike against Hearts for Samartex, describes the Super Clash as a "big game that every player dreams of playing in."

“Hearts of Oak vs Asante Kotoko any day is a big game. It is a game that every player wishes to play because every football-loving fan has their attention on it” he told SportsBoom.co.za.

“Aside from the three points, the game determines who earns the bragging right. So as a player, you have to be physically and mentally ready for the game” he added.

A GAME NOT DETERMINED BY FORM

The Super Clash has become increasingly difficult to predict in recent years, as the outcome of the historic fixture is rarely determined by the form of either team. In fact, this unpredictability is one of the key attractions of the match.

“We all know football is full of uncertainties, anything can happen. The Super Clash is not determined by the current form of both teams. The coach's instructions and motivations are key in this fixture, and the players must develop a winning mentality going into the game” Evans told Sportsboom.com

Hearts of Oak currently has the upper hand in the Super Clash with eleven wins in their last 32 meetings, compared to Kotoko's ten victories.

When asked about the possible outcome of the game, Evans Owusu, aware of the unpredictable nature of the Super Clash, was hesitant to dismiss Hearts of Oak ahead of the match.

“In football, anything can happen so I wouldn’t write Hearts Of Oak off because we know the nature of this fixture. However, I am predicting a win for Asante Kotoko” Evans Owusu said.

“Playing for Asante Kotoko has helped me so much; they gave me a platform to showcase my talent, and I also had the opportunity to enjoy the love and support from the fans. So, I am predicting a win for Asante Kotoko.”