Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko are close to finalising arrangements to play friendly games at the Baba Yara Stadium in two weeks’ time.

The two-leg friendlies would see the Porcupine Warriors host their arch rivals at the Baba Yara Stadium before playing as guest to the Phobians at the same venue at a later date.

The matches have become necessary to help the clubs raise funds and also to keep their players active following the ban on organised football in the country and an injunction by the government on activities of the Ghana Football Association and its officials on June 12, in the wake of an expose’ by investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas, on widespread corruption in Ghana football.

Read: CONFIRMED: Hearts of Oak to battle Asante Kotoko on August 19

Kotoko are due to play Tanzania side, SIMBA SC, in a friendly game on Wednesday as part of activities to commemorate the club’s ‘SIMBA Day’ celebration. SIMBA Day is an annual observance by the Tanzania side at which they unveil all their players to the club’s supporters.

Sources close to Hearts told Graphic Sports Online that both teams have reached advanced stages of the negotiation and the games would surely come off.

“I can confirm to you that we are planning to play a friendly game with Kumasi Asante Kotoko in two weeks’ time.

Kotoko would be playing first at home before Hearts also play home in the second game, but both games would be played at the Baba Yara Stadium,” the source noted.

source:Graphic.com.gh