Can Hearts, Kotoko bounce back?

The nemesis of relegation-threatened Accra Hearts of Oak could catch up with them today if they fail to take advantage of their home support to scale the Aduana Stars hurdle as the Phobians host the Dormaa-Ahenkro club in a First Capital Plus Premier League midweek match at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Similarly, defending champions, Kumasi Asante Kotoko, are struggling to keep pace with the title chasers, and if they fail to turn the tide, the Porcupine Warriors could also sink further into the relegation zone. 

Hearts are currently occupying the 15th position on the league table with eight points from eight games and are reeling under a lot of pressure, particularly from their fans to win against Aduana today, more so as they play AS Police of Benin in the return leg of their CAF Confederation Cup tie at the weekend.

With today’s encounter coming on the heels of Hearts not-too-impressive showing against Heart of Lions last Sunday, the once glamorous club are in a very tight corner and could be in further trouble if they slip at home against Aduana. 

With pressure building up, Coach Herbert Addo will be expected to map out a winning strategy against his former club who have made an impressive start to the season and lie second on the league log behind AshantiGold.

The Hearts tactician will look up to his skipper Robin Gnagne and teammates Lawrence Tawiah, Richard Yamoah, Thomas Abbey, Shaun October and Selassi Adjei to produce the desperately needed victory in order to boost the team’s confidence ahead of their continental assignment in Cotonou.

Aduana, featuring goalkeeper Stephen Adams and Godfred Saka, won on their last visit to the nation’s capital with a 1-0 win over Accra Great Olympics and hope the Accra stadium will be a fertile ground for another upset this afternoon over another Accra-base club.

Kotoko, who are smarting under the exit of coach Mas-Ud Dramani, the man who led them to back-to-back league victories, are also faced with a daunting task against fifth-placed Berekum Chelsea  at the Golden City Park where the home side have won all their matches this season.

Third placed Heart of Lions, who beat Hearts of Oak by a lone goal last sunday, face a tough task against leaders Ashgold at the Len Clay Stadium at Obuasi in what connoisseurs of the game predict to be an uncompromising battle which slightly favours the home side.

In other encounters, Olympics play Bechem United at Bechem, Medeama SC host Liberty Professionals at the Tarkwa T and A park, while WAFA and New Edubiase United lock horns at Sogakope.

At the Tema Stadium, Inter Allies will engage BA United, while Sekondi Hasaacas and Wa All Stars seek to outdo each other  at the Wa park.