Dicey duels for Hearts, Kotoko
Title chasers, Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko, face some tricky Week 22 assignments today against opponents who are equally desperate for points to enhance their chances of staying in the premiership.
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In Accra, league leaders Hearts will be confronted with a stiff challenge from defending champions, Ashantigold, who are just five steps away from the bottom.
Last Sunday, the ‘Soccer Miners’ dropped two vital home points in their 1-1 deadlock with fellow strugglers, Ebusua Dwarfs at the Obuasi Len Clay Stadium. Interestingly, that happened a day before the Phobians battled their bitterest rivals Kotoko to a gruelling 1-1 draw in Kumasi.
Though the statistics seem to favour Sergio Traguil’s side following their 2-1 first round win in Obuasi, they might not have things rosy since the title holders would fight like wounded lions to secure at least a vital away point to better their lot.
Similarly, under-pressure Kotoko and bottom club, New Edubiase United cannot afford to lose in their crucial encounter at Obuasi.
With five points separating them and Hearts, another slip by Kotoko would widen the gap, while New Eduabiase — 1-0 victors in the first round duel in Kumasi — also need the maximum points badly to complete the double and also increase their points build-up.
At the Tema Sadium, second-placed Wa All Stars will descend on last but one Inter Allies with full force in their close contest, while Dreams FC are also tipped to carry the day at their favourite Dawu base against Berekum Chelsea.
If their recent exploits are anything to go by, then Dwarfs can strike gold against visiting WAFA at the Robert Mensah Stadium, with the regional derby between Bechem United and their guests Techiman City being too close to call.
At Dansoman, playmaker Latif Blessing is expected to inspire Liberty Professionals to register a crucial home win over Hasaacas.
Meanwhile, the match between Medeama and Aduana Stars at Tarkwa has been put off, following the former’s CAF Confederation Cup duel with Young Africans on Tuesday.
