THE epic LG Top Four cracker between traditional foes, Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko, would certainly be decided by brains and sheer skills other than brawn after the tournament’s most distinguished performer so far, Joe Hendricks, vowed to put the brakes on the marauding Phobian attack at the Kumasi Stadium on Sunday.

While declaring the end of the road for Hearts ahead of the real drama, Hendricks’ simple message to the razor-sharp Hearts striking force is simple and blunt: “Not this time”, as he pictured himself being decorated with a third straight most valuable player award in this tension-packed thriller.

Though the Kotoko stalwart defender would not take anything away from the Hearts’ attacking symphony comprising Bernard Dong Bortey, Wisdom Abbey, Emmanuel Osei Kuffour, Charles Taylor ad Mumuni Massawudu, he is simply convinced of his capability to marshal his forces to subdue them this time.

By now, Hearts fans might be revelling in the return of enigmatic Charles Taylor and Massawudu, both of whom were rested last Sunday obviously for the Kotoko match. But the main attraction will certainly be on how the tournament’s leading scorer, Dong Bortey (two goals) exerts his influence on the game with the view to outwitting the Kotoko defence and hence outdo Hendricks. For once, the red army of Kotoko supporters who will throng the spacious Kumasi Stadium will be refreshed with sad and uncomfortable memories of how the speedster, Bortey, outwitted them at the last hour only to end up in an enemy camp a couple of seasons back.

With this in mind, the home fans would only wish for the player’s flop on Sunday. But for Bortey, that would offer another platform to display the stuff he is made of while adding to his tally.

So far, both giants have a lot in common - six points apiece and four goals to their credit - though Kotoko unlike Hearts have conceded a goal. This loophole is perhaps what coach Herbert Addo would hope to capitalise on come Sunday.

Most significantly, this crucial encounter would go a long way to establish supremacy over each other while providing the litmus test for the rock-solid Hearts defence when it confronts a goal-hungry Kotoko attack spearheaded by Isaac Boakye.

After displaying his talent against Liberty Professionals and scoring that much-needed winner, Boakye will surely be the target for the Phobian defence which as usual will feature stoutly-built Kwabena Boafo and versatile Amankwaa Mireku as the hub.

With this scenario therefore, the match could largely be decided from the midfield where Hearts’ Princeton Owusu-Ansah and Emmanuel Osei will have to contend for dominance with Kotoko’s new tireless youngster, Kojo Poku and hardworking Kwame Adjagba.

Like the bookmakers, Kotoko’s coach Abdul Razak and Heart’s Herbert Addo are being cautious in their predictions though the Golden Boy hopes to ride on the back of history to pull another surprise.

Razak sees his propelling of Stade Malien to eliminate Hearts in their African campaign last year as his ace card to guarantee him another victory over the Phobians this time with the Porcupine Warriors.

Needless to recount, victory for either side would really boost their chances to lift the ultimate trophy which is why a real war should be envisaged.