GhanaFA

Heart of Lions face off with Hearts of Oak at Sogakope on Sunday

3 months ago
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Kpando Heart of Lions will welcome Accra Hearts of Oak to the WAFA Park in Sogakope on Sunday.

The Phobians are winless in their last 12 away games after suffering 9 losses and recording 3 draws in the process – their false start to the season was compounded by Dreams FC on Sunday after holding them to a goalless draw at the Accra stadium.

The former African Champions have won only once this season – lost two games on the road with the only win coming against Nsoatreman FC at home. Hearts of Oak lost 1-0 to Real Tamale United before falling by the same goal margin to Bofoakwa Tano on Matchday three at the Coronation Park.

They go into the game against a Heart of Lions side that have yet to win in the League despite going four games without defeat. The Premier League returnees have four draws - scored 2 and conceded 2 in their games thus far. Heart of Lions drew 0-0 against Asante Kotoko, 0-0 against Great Olympics, 2-2 against Real Tamale United and 0-0 against league leaders, Bofoakwa Tano.

Accra Hearts of Oak have played 8 away games against newly promoted sides since the 2021/22 season - with 4 wins, 3 losses and 1 draw.

Hearts of Oak have lost their last three games against newly promoted sides in an away fixture conceding eight and scoring 3 in the process.

Coach of Lions Fatawu Salifu has Ebenezer Abban, Bismark Anim, Fawzi Ali, Benson Kofi Yeboah, Yaw Danso, Denis Hutor, Nana Kwame Oppong and Seedorf Asante available for selection.

Hearts of Oak coach Martin Koopman is reeling under pressure following his lack of strikers’ remarks in the post Dreams FC press conference on Sunday. But the Dutchman says he is unfazed by his side’s poor start to the season.

Kashala Ramos Wanet wo has scored Hearts of Oak’s only goal in the ongoing campaign, was publicly criticized by his Coach after the draw against Dreams FC but the Congolese attacker is bent on redeeming himself this time. The Phobians also have the likes of Kwadwo Obeng Junior, Suraj Seidu, Michael Ampadu, Dennis Korsah, Kelven Osei Asibey, Linda Mtange and Abdul Aziz Nurudeen available for selection.

The game will be broadcast live on StarTimes Adepa channel 247 at 3pm.

At the Golden City Park in Berekum - Chelsea will battle Nations FC in another crunchy battle. Berekum Chelsea are winless in their last three games going into the fixture after recording one draw and two losses in their last three outings. Nations FC are 12th in the League table with 4 points having won one, drawn one and lost one in the league – with one outstanding game against Medeama SC.

In Tamale - Real Tamale United will face Karela United in a derby at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium. Real Tamale United are winless in their last three games and will be aiming to get their second win of the season against their new rivals. Karela United have managed four points in their last two away games against Real Tamale United – 2021/22 RTU 1-1 Karela United and 2022/23 RTU 0-1 Karela United. Real Tamale United sit in 17th place with 4 points having won one of their last four games – lost two and drawn one. Karela United have 5 points and sit in 8th place with one win, two draws and one defeat.

In Accra - Legon Citiies will face off with Bechem United at the El- Wak Stadium.

Legon Cities have won picked 6 points from their first two home games – a 2-1 win against Karela United and Aduana FC with Bechem United losing three of their last four games in the League. Bechem United occupies the bottom spot  in the league table with 3 points following one home win and three losses.

Finally on Sunday - FC Samartex will host Dreams FC at the Nsenkyire Sports complex at 3pm. FC Samartex have won all their home games this season and will be hoping to continue their home winning form. Dreams FC have picked only one point in two away games.

FC Samartex are 4th in the League table with 6 points in the league table while Dreams FC occupy the 11th place with 5 points.

Evans Osei Wusu and Baba Hamadu Musa have formed a solid pair upfront and will lead the lines for FC Samartex on Sunday with the likes of Emmanuel Keyekeh, Emmanuel Adu Siaw, Richmond Darko, Gabriel Bonnah, Richmond Darko and Isaac Afful available for selection.

Dreams FC are expected to parade the likes of Ebenezer Adade, Sylvester Simba, Ishmeal Dede, John Antwi, Abdul Jalilu, Emmanuel Agyei, Richard Mensah and the evergreen John Antwi against the Timber lads.

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