Tricky ties for Kotoko, Hearts

Premier league leaders, Asante Kotoko and traditional rivals, Hearts of Oak will seek to make amends when they face Accra Lions and Real Tamale United (RTU) respectively in their match-week 17 Ghana Premier League fixtures.

Kotoko on 33 points, were humbled 2-1 by bottom club Elmina Sharks and need a win to keep second-placed Bechem United on 29 points at bay, whilst also returning smiles to the faces of their teeming fans at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

Incidentally, the ‘Porcupine Warriors’ have been ferocious at home, losing just once at home out of eight outings, proving their dominance on home turf.

On the contrast, Lions’ record on the road has been abysmal winning just once at away venues and despite the home side missing enterprising left-back, Imoro Ibrahim, the firepower in the fold of Coach Prosper Nartey Ogum spearheaded by Cameroonian strike force, George Mfegue and Franck Etouga seem certain to tame the Lions in today’s clash.

League champions Hearts, tottering in their league defence, will be eager to inject some enthusiasm into their campaign when they trek to Tamale to face the David Abagna-led, RTU tomorrow.

Occupying a disappointing sixth on the log and a gaping 10 points separating them and arch-rivals Kotoko, Hearts are aware winning at a dreaded venue like Tamale can resurrect their title defence.

Undoubtedly, that would be the focus of head coach Samuel Boadi, hunting for a win to wane off the pressure mounting around the security of his job.

With the availability of a talented pool comprising creative force, Gladson Awako, Daniel Afriyie Barnieh, Fatawu Mohammed, Enoch Asubonteng, Salim Adams and veteran, Sulley Ali Muntari, the visitors would be eager to provide ‘Phobian’  followers with some respite after losing 1-0 to city rivals Great Olympics on match-week 16.

They must, however, devise a strategy to contain RTU’s inspirational figure and league top marksman Abagna who has shown a tendency to wreak havoc when called upon.

In other games on Sunday, Bechem United will hope to continue their fairytale story when they engage in a mouth-watering derby affair against Berekum Chelsea at the Golden City Park; Great Olympics battle energized Elmina Sharks at the Accra Sports Stadium with AshantiGold pitching their strength against Bibiani Gold Stars at the Obuasi Len Clay.

In Tarkwa, Medeama will welcome high-scoring Dreams to the Akoon Park; struggling WAFA will account for Karela United, whilst Aduana Stars contend Eleven Wonders in Dormaa.

On Monday, third-placed King Faisal, will be seeking to continue their turn around after winning their first game in five games last week, playing as guest of 15th-placed Legon Cities at the Accra Sports Stadium.

BY NANA BENTSI ODURO: