The Porcupine Warriors dominated when they met their arch-rivals in double header in 2018, but the Phobians who have been ruthless in the Tier One of this year's competition would be seeking to avenge their two successive losses as they host them at the nations wembley amidst controversy over the formula for sharing gate proceeds and the venue as well.

Road to the Semis

The Phobians were ruthless in qualification to the semi-final of the Special Competition, as they were the first side to qualify to the semi finals, with two games to spare and secured top spot in Group B.

Hearts recorded nine wins from 14 matches having lost four times and drawn once and scored 20 goals in the process.

Kotoko on the other hand, had a difficult qualification to  the semis, needing at least a draw against Aduana Stars, which they successfully did, but were toppled by Ashantigold SC for top spot.

Kotoko had the best defence in the competition having conceded only five goals from 12 games. 

The Porcupine Warriors had six wins in total having lost twice and drawn four times.

Head-to-Head

This the 108^th meeting between the two arch-rivals since 1958 with the Phobians having emerged victorious on 35 occasions same as the Porcupine Warriors, with 38 ending in draws.

Team news

Hearts would have their defence “General” Alhassan Mohammed back in action, as he couldn't make Black Stars 23-man squad for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Kotoko on the other hand would miss their first choice goalkeeper Felix Annan who made the final squad to AFCON, but midfield sensation Fatawu Mohammed would feature for the Porcupine Warriors as he was dropped by head coach, Kwesi Appiah.

Kotoko's top marksman Sogne Yacouba started training earlier in the week and would be passed fit to feature for the first time at the Accra Sports Stadium against Hearts.

Hearts has no major injury concerns and Kim Grant is expected to have the full compliment of his team for the clash.

Squads

Hearts: Richmond Ayi (GK), Ben Mensah (GK), Christopher Bonney , William Dankyi , Robert Addo, Alhassan Mohammed, Benjamin Afutu, Daniel Kodie, Fatawu Mohammed, Manaf Umar, Joseph Esso, Michelle Sarpong, Kojo Obeng Jnr, Kofi Kordzi , James Sewornu, Abubakar Troare, Benjamin Agyare.

Kotoko: Osei Kwame (GK), Daland Inbrahim (GK) Augustine Sefa, Amos Frimpong, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, Ismeal Ganiyu, Wahab Adams, Kwame Bonso, Emmanuel Gyamfi, Agyemang Badu, Daniel Darkwah, Nii Adjei, Abdul Fatawu Safiu, Obed Owusu,

Stephen Nyarko, Naby Keita, Umar Basiru, Kwame Boahene, Songne Yacouba.

Fans Presumption

Both fans are buoyant going into this game especially with Hearts fans who confident of defeating their arch rivals to pave way to compete in the finals as they quest to qualify to the CAF Champions League.

Kotoko fans on the other hand, would be looking to continue their dominance at Accra Sports Stadium where they have emerged successful in recent times.

The fans of the Porcupine Warriors would be delighted with progress of the team in tier one and two of the Special Competition as they quest to qualify for either CAF Champions League and the Confederation Cup having qualified to semis in both competitions.