Battle for survival takes shape

The relegation dog-fight in the First Capital Plus Premier League heats up today with fellow basement dwellers, Accra Hearts of Oak and Heart of Lions, clashing in a six-pointer at the Robert Mensah Stadium in Cape Coast.

The Phobians in 14th place will be playing home away from home at a venue that has become their Waterloo in recent times, having lost to Medeama SC and Ebusua Dwarfs in two different cup competitions in the last two weeks. 

Unlike Hearts, 13th-placed Lions, who riding the crest of a wave after pipping league leaders Ashgold at the weekend, whereas the Phobians are on a miserable run with no victories in their last five league outings — a predicament which culminated in the sacking of coach Herbert Addo.

Caretaker coach of Hearts, Eddie Ansah, has not fared any better since his appointment, losing both his two games at the helm against Dwarfs in the Elite Cup and Aduana Stars in the league. That result left the Phobians with only a solitary victory away from home in 11 league outings.

For Lions, there can be no extra motivation as a loss will see them exchange places with Hearts on the First Capital Plus Premier League log.

Lions were a bit apprehensive when the game was shifted to the Robert Mensah Stadium following Hearts’ home ban, but they will now be in a buoyant mood to win consecutive league games for the first time this year.

Similarly, fourth-placed West Africa Football Academy will be hopeful of handing 11th-placed Kumasi Asante Kotoko their eighth loss of the season when they clash at Sogakope.

WAFA's brilliant campaign has been down to the goal-scoring exploits of Mumuni Zakaria and Martin Antwi who have bagged an impressive seven goals each after 22 games and their form will leave the porous Kotoko defence quaking in their boots.

The Porcupine Warriors, will however, be eager to appease their fans with victory after a humiliating 3-0 thrashing suffered against high-flyers Berekum Chelsea at their favourite Baba Yara Stadium.

It also remains to be seen whether David Duncan's side will be able to justify the assertion that they are always under pressure playing at home with victory against John Kila's side.

In other interesting ties, leaders Ashgold contend with New Edubiase United at the Len Clay Stadium, Berekum Chelsea play Liberty Professionals at the Golden City Park and BA United engage Accra Great Olympics in another relegation battle.

Elsewhere, Medeama SC host Bechem United at the T&A Park, Inter-Allies clash with Sekondi Hasaacas at the Tema Park and Wa All Stars play Aduana Stars at the Wa Sports Stadium.