Medeama, Chelsea in grudge match

Samuel K. Obour Football May - 15 - 2013 , 04:10

Title contenders, Berekum Chelsea, Medeama SC and Kumasi Asante Kotoko, are all tied on points at the summit of the Glo Premier League log and with just four matches to draw the curtains on the competition, it appears the race could be heading for a photo finish.

At 46 points apiece, the competition has become even keener as Chelsea host Medeama at the Golden City Park on Sunday, while defending champions Kotoko welcome another tough customer, Aduana Stars, to the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.

For Chelsea, after their morale sank following their 0-3 defeat to Hearts of Oak last Sunday, they will be hoping that their tough home clash could be an opportunity to salvage their image and to reclaim the top spot.

But this would not come easy for the former league championship lads who have won just two of four league clashes with Medeama at the Golden City Park since 2009, with the Tarkwa-based side earning two draws in thier away visits to Berekum. In fact, on head-to-head, both sides boast four wins in eight previous league clashes since Chelsea first handed Medeama a 1-0 defeat in their maiden match on March 12, 2009.

On current form, however, Chelsea are on a roll, having won their last five home matches against Liberty Professionals, RTU, King Faisal, Ebusua Dwarfs and Tema Youth. On the other hand, Medeama have won just one (against Faisal) of their last five away games, drawing three and losing one (against Amidaus Professionals).

Indeed, Medeama and Chelsea are coming into this game with contrasting results last weekend, with Medeama’s 3-0 victory over RTU giving them a psychological boost against a side hoping to bounce back from their thrashing by Hearts. Nonethless, the two combatants know the importance of Sunday’s game as a loss by either side could prove very costly to their title ambitions.

Similarly, Kotoko who are riding high now, are aware a slip could cost them dearly and would seek to maintain their impressive form to beat Aduana in Kumasi.

In other fixtures, Hearts’ consistency in the second round will be put to real test when they travel to Wa to play All Stars, while King Faisal play as guest of New Edubiase United at the Bekwai park.