Accra Hearts of Oak, their tails up and enjoying bragging rights following last Sunday’s stunning 1-0 victory over their archrivals, Asante Kotoko, will aim to maintain momentum and keep the heat firmly on league leaders Medeama SC, as they host Berekum Chelsea tomorrow afternoon at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium.
Even with 10 men for a greater part of the match, the Phobians delivered one of their most decisive performances of the season, a result that has reignited belief within their camp that the title race is within arm’s reach.
Trailing league leaders Medeama SC by five points in second position on the log, the title race is still very much alive, and Hearts know that consistency will be key if they are to sustain their challenge.
For Hearts’ head coach, Mas-Ud Didi Dramani, tomorrow’s encounter is as important as any other. The experienced tactician has struck a measured tone despite the euphoria.
He has repeatedly stressed that every point matters at this stage of the season, and will be urging his players to avoid complacency against a struggling but dangerous opponent.
Hearts have been formidable at home this campaign, losing just once in front of their supporters, and will be eager to extend that strong record. Their dominant showing at the Baba Yara Stadium last Sunday has also injected renewed energy into the squad, with several players hitting top form at a crucial stage of the season.
Standing in their way is a Berekum Chelsea side led by Samuel Boadu, a familiar figure in Hearts folklore. The young coach famously guided the Phobians to their last league triumph in the 2022/23 season, and his return to face his former club always carries emotional undertones. However, since taking over at Berekum Chelsea two seasons ago, Boadu has endured a difficult run against Hearts, losing all meetings so far.
That poor record is extra motivation for the Chelsea coach, who will be desperate to halt the trend and spark a turnaround for his team. The Berekum side’s struggles this season have been well documented, with the once-feared side now locked in a tense relegation battle. They currently sit in the relegation zone in 15th place on the log with 26 points alongside rivals Swedru All Black, Vision FC and Nations FC (all on 27 points each), as well as fellow strugglers Dreams FC, Young Apostles and Basake Holy Stars (all on 26 points each). At this stage of the competition, every point counts, and former champions Chelsea will aim to not leave the Legon Stadium empty-handed.
Defeat in Accra could severely dent their hopes of staying afloat, but a positive result would not only boost morale but also serve as revenge for their loss in the first-round fixture. Ending Hearts’ recent dominance in home encounters would be an added psychological boost for the visitors in their push to get out of the relegation zone.
Despite the euphoria following the Kotoko triumph, Coach Dramani has remained grounded, insisting his side is still a work in progress. He believes the team can perform at an even higher level and has challenged the players to replicate their intensity and discipline.
One of the standout performers from the Super Clash was goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, whose commanding display earned him the Man of the Match award. Coach Dramani will be counting on the shot-stopper to deliver another assured performance, while key players such as Hamza Issah, Mawuli Wayo, Abdul Karim, Emmanuel Amankwah and Mohammed Hussein are expected to play pivotal roles.
Beyond Accra, attention will also shift to Tarkwa where league leaders Medeama SC host former champions FC Samartex in a regional derby at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena.
Medeama have healthy points over title challengers Hearts and Bibiani Gold Stars, but know they cannot afford any slip-up in order to maintain their advantage as the season enters a decisive phase. Playing away against the former champions, FC Samartex, will again test the title credentials of Coach Maxwell Konadu’s side, who face an uphill battle at a venue the home side have turned into a fortress.
Medeama SC have been stubborn travellers, losing just once in their last eight away league matches (three wins and four draws in that run). However, they have never won an away league game against FC Samartex. That record looms large, with the ‘Timber Giants’ yet to lose a single league match at home since the appointment of Christopher Ennin as head coach last season.
The home side will be boosted with the expected return of centre-back Kofi Agbesimah, who has resumed training after recovering from the injury he sustained during their MTN FA Cup Round of 16 clash against Medeama SC at the TnA Stadium.
One player Coach Ennin will look to is in-form goalkeeper Zakari Musah to keep the Medeama forwards at bay. Between the posts, the young goalie is setting the standard with his 13 clean sheets, five in his last six matches, and just one goal conceded in that run.
Elsewhere, fifth-placed Kotoko, still licking their wounds after last Sunday’s loss, will aim to salvage some pride and revive their title hunt when they travel to the Wenchi Sports Stadium to battle struggling Young Apostles, who remain unbeaten in their last nine home league matches.
Heart of Lions will welcome Gold Stars to the Kpando Sports Stadium, with veteran coach Bashir Hayford aiming to guide his side to a third straight home win to steady an inconsistent campaign.
Title hopefuls Aduana FC are favourites to beat relegation-threatened Hohoe United at the Nana Agyemang Badu Park in Dormaa-Ahenkro, while bottom club Eleven Wonders will travel to the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in Tamale to battle eighth-placed Karela United in a fixture that could define their survival hopes.
At the AAK II Sports Arena, Swedru All Blacks will play as guests of Basake Holy Stars, while Nations FC will welcome Dreams FC to the Kwame Kyei Sports Complex, Abrankese.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh