GHALCA 8 final: Dreams to deny Hearts glory?

Premier League returnees, Dreams FC pose a threat to Accra Hearts of Oak’s ambition of winning a pre-season silverware when they clash in the final of the GHALCA G8 competition at the Cape Coast Stadium on Sunday.

The Dawu-based side made a poor start to the competition losing 0-1 to Premier League champions, Aduana Stars, but revved up their engine and returned with renewed energy to upset Kumasi Asante Kotoko 1-0 in their group clash at the Baba Yara Stadium. They then edged out Techiman Eleven Wonders (1-0) to book a place in the semifinal as runners-up in Group A.

The ‘one goal project’ has propelled Coach Karim Zito’s side to the final after eliminating Medeama 6-5 on penalties after a barren game at the end of regulation time in Cape Coast yesterday to set up a tough final against the Phobians, one of their worst nemesis during their stint in the premiership two seasons ago.

Hearts, on the other hand, eliminated arch-rivals Kotoko 4-2 on penalties in their semi-final clash in Kumasi last Wednesday. And for a side weakened by the absence of some key stars, including Winful Cobbina and Kwame Kizito, it is an opportunity for Coach Frank Nuttall and his charges to make a strong statement that they care capable of surviving without the departed stars.

Unfortunately, the Phobians have not been in the best shape in the competition as many believe they rode their luck to reach the final, having earlier lost 0-2 to Medeama before grinding out a hard-fought win over Kotoko after a barren game in regulation time. But Coach Nuttall has managed to turn their fortunes around with some previously untested young players who would be hungry for their first trophy at the expense of Dreams.

Just as Hearts Coach Zito’s team have lacked the needed bite upfront and their key striker, Eric Gawu, has struggled to find his form so far. Hearts’ Cosmos Dauda is also yet to hit the back of the net as the main front man for the Phobians.

The tricky nature of Sunday’s game could force the rival coaches to tinker with their tactics on Sunday, with Coach Nuttall likely to partner promising Richard Zuma — who scored two late goals against Dwarfs at the group stages — with Dauda to give the Phobians a sharper attack.
Similarly, Zito could also use Richard Addae and Gawu upfront with support from Zuberu Sharani, Leonard Owusu, both of who played very instrumental roles in Dreams’ victory over Kotoko at the group stage.

For Dreams, Sunday’s encounter offers them a chance to earn their first victory against Hearts at this level with their best result against the Phobians being a 1-1 draw at Dawu in December 2016.