Hearts, Kotoko in tough affairs
• Salifu Ibrahim – Hearts’ hardworking midfielder
The Tarkwa Akoon Park will be fired up this today when Medeama SC welcome reigning champions Asante Kotoko to a grueling match-day six clash of the betPawa Premier League.
This afternoon’s tie promises to be full of action as the hosts will attempt to defy all odds to end their three-game defeats, with the most recent (0-1) against Great Olympics at the Accra Sports Stadium.
With two wins out of five games, the Yellow and Mauve lads are aware they would have to go all out to give their visitors a run for their money.
Gradually settling in with his young squad, Coach Seydou Zerbo has been on a mission to bring out the best in Kotoko.
The Porcupine Warriors have suffered just one loss, which came against Bechem in their match-day one outstanding clash. However, they managed to put up a spirited performance to defeat debutants Samartex 2-1 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
Kotoko sit fourth on the league log, three points behind leaders Aduana Stars and will need nothing but a win to give the ‘Ogya’ boys a hot chase for the top spot.
More action will be staged on Sunday when Hearts of Oak welcome Karela United to the Accra Sports Stadium. The Phobians will be without talisman Daniel Barnieh Afriyie who will be with the Black Stars on national duties.
Though it has been a creepy start for the record FA Cup winners, they have won two, drawn same and a defeat – and Coach Slavko Matic will count on the prowess of Salifu Ibrahim, youngster Gideon Asante, Obeng Junior and a few others to get him the needed result.
Karela, on the other hand, will have to rely on their marksman, Enoch Agblenyo to deliver as the former Elmina Sharks has proved to be an integral part of Kobby Mensah’s team; having scored three goals and leads the scorers chat.
At the Aliu Mahama Stadium, Real Tamale United will host leaders Aduana Stars in a cagey affair. Aduana have been formidable with four wins and a defeat.
The hosts will be charged for another top display, having snatched a vital away 2-1 victory over Berekum Chelsea at the Golden City Park.
Second-placed Accra Lions will make a trip to the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park in Techinam to lock horns with Bechem United.
It has not been the best of starts for last season’s FA Cup finalist, Bechem United, who registered their third defeat after 1-0 loss to United in their previous game.
The Hunters will have to fasten their belt and return to winning ways, while the latter will pick lessons from their goalless draw against Dreams last week.
Nsoatreman, who already have two wins, will battle Dreams at the Nana Kronamansah Park in Sunyani, while Samartex 1996 square off with Gold Stars at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena in Samreboi.
BY LINUS SIAW NARTEY
