This afternoon’s midweek encounter between fourth- placed Sekondi Hasaacas and runaway leaders, Kumasi Asante Kotoko, at the Sekondi Stadium at Essipon stands out as the most cagey among the First Capital Plus Premier League matches, with the battle against relegation also getting keener each passing week.
Having won eight of the 12 matches played at home, and determined to continue their climb higher up the league ladder, Hasaacas, often considered as a bogey side to Kotoko, are expected to offer a stiff opposition to the Porcupine Warriors for the three maximum points.
The Kpando Park is also expected to witness fireworks as improved Heart of Lions host Wa All Stars, with Lions fighting to maintain the second spot on the league log for continental campaign next season. The Wa-based side, on the other hand, are technically not out of danger of relegation even though they lie in sixth position but just three points separate them from the quartet of Amidaus Professionals, Berekum Chelsea, Liberty Professionals and King Faisal, who are all fighting to move out of the danger zone.
Having won seven of 12 matches played at Kpando, the rejuvenated Lions will be anxious to pounce and prey on visiting All Stars who have lost all their last three away games.
The clash between Faisal and Amidaus at the Baba Yara Stadium will be keenly fought between the two relegation-threatened sides, with Faisal starting as favourites on account of Amidaus’ poor away record. The Tema-based side has not won just two away matches this season and are without a win in their last five away games.
Accra Hearts of Oak would hope to bounce back after their recent home loss to Lions, by giving ninth-placed Chelsea a battle of their lives in their clash at the Golden City Park.
Liberty are tipped to continue their good run at home when they host visiting Ebusua Dwarfs at the Carl Reindorf Park at Dansoman. Dwarfs lie perilously in the throes of relegation and need points badly in their late charge to escape the relegation dragnet. However, the home side are not safe either and will fight hard for survival with a home win at the expense of the Cape Coast lads who are without win in their last seven away encounters.
At the Gyamfi Park at Bekwai, Bechem United will play as guests of New Edubiase United.
The match involving Medeama FC and AshantiGold has been postponed to enable Medeama to honour their continental assignment against Leopards of Congo.
