Accra Hearts of Oak’s attempt to end a turbulent year has come up against another stiff challenge when they face 14th-placed Wa All Stars in a Premier League clash at the Wa Stadium tomorrow.
Coach Mohammed Polo appears to have steadied the Phobian ship despite a 2-2 draw against Aduana Stars last week, blighting his brilliant start and creating a six-point gulf between his side and leaders Kumasi Asante Kotoko.
When they take to the pitch tomorrow, the Phobian army comes up against a stuttering All Stars set-up that is stationed in the relegation zone after incuring seven losses from 14 games this season and a loss for Hearts could prove disastrous for Polo, who is still winning over some critics following his takeover from David Duncan.
However, the Phobians must be on their guard having lost five times in 12 clashes between the teams, with All Stars having lost only to Kotoko and Heart of Lions at their home grounds this campaign.
Elsewhere in the last week matches of the first round, Kotoko take on relegation-threatened Ebusua Dwarfs in what appears to be an easy tie for the Porcupine Warriors who sent their biggest signal of intent with a 4-1 drubbing of title contenders Medeama SC last week. The defending champions currently possess the league’s leading goal scorer, Seidu Bancey, who returns to the Robert Mensah Stadium in Cape Coast where he aims to add to the misery of his former club.
Mas-Ud Dramani’s team will end the first round at the summit of the league table, no matter the result and that could prove their undoing as newly appointed Dwarfs coach, Rashid Iddi, would jump at the opportunity to start his reign on a winning note to commence their revival. History, however, does not favour Dwarfs who have mustered a draw and no goals in the last five meetings with Kotoko.
Other games to end the first round will see Aduana Stars playing host to New Edubiase United at Dormaa-Ahenkro, Medeama welcoming Inter Allies to the T&A Park at Tarkwa, Amidaus Professionals locking horns with Sekondi Hasaacas at Tema, while Dansoman-based Liberty Professionals clash with Kpando Heart of Lions at the Accra Sports Stadium.
At the Len Clay Stadium at Obuasi, AshantiGold take on Berekum Chelsea, while King Faisal engagesBechem United at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.
