Can Hearts tame roaring Lions in Gbese Mantse Homowo Charity showdown?

As the dust settles on the dramatic finish to the 2023-24 Ghana Premier League season, where both Accra Hearts of Oak and Kpando Heart of Lions narrowly escaped relegation on the final day, attention swiftly turns to their preparations for the upcoming campaign.

These two clubs will square off tomorrow at the Accra Sports Stadium in the inaugural Gbese Mantse Homowo Peace Charity match, a clash that will not only test their mettle but also provide a glimpse into their preparations for the upcoming season.

This year’s fixture, tied to the annual Ga Homowo festival, marks a departure from tradition. In previous years, Hearts would typically face their city rivals, Great Olympics, in the annual Ga Mantse Homowo Cup.

However, with Olympics suffering relegation last season, the organisers have opted to bring in Lions for a fresh and fierce contest.

The Gbese Mantse, Nii Ayi-Bonte II, has added extra prestige to the match by donating a trophy, intended not just to celebrate the festival, but also to promote peace and unity in the Greater Accra Region ahead of the upcoming general elections.

High stakes 

The stakes are high for both teams. Last season, their two league encounters were closely contested, with the first match ending in a goalless draw and the second seeing Hearts edge out a 2-1 victory.

Tomorrow’s showdown is more than just a battle for silverware; it’s a crucial test of each team’s readiness for the new season.

For Hearts, the 2023-24 season was one to forget. Their underwhelming performance prompted a major overhaul, with Coach Aboubakar Ouattara making sweeping changes to the squad.

Fourteen players, including experienced goalkeepers Richmond Ayi and Richard Attah, were shown the door. In their place, the Phobians have brought in fresh talents, including Nations FC duo Asamoah Boateng Afriyie and Michael Mensah Awuah, and goalkeeper Benjamin Asare from Great Olympics.

These recruits will be under the spotlight as Hearts look to bounce back from last month’s 1-2 defeat to arch-rivals Asante Kotoko in the Democracy Cup—a result that has raised questions about the team’s preparedness.

Coach Ouattara is under pressure to deliver. Tomorrow’s match provides him with a prime opportunity to assess his team’s progress and fine-tune his tactics before the league kicks off.

A victory would not only boost morale but also send a strong message to their rivals that Hearts are ready to reclaim their pride of place among the elite.

On the other hand, the Kpando side enter this match with a different narrative. After a rocky start to last season, the Lions found their stride in the final weeks, securing four wins and a draw in their last five matches to avoid the drop.

Under the guidance of Coach Hayford, Lions have been relatively quiet in the transfer market, with former Hearts goalkeeper Kwadwo Osei Bonsu and striker Kwadwo Obeng Jnr being the most notable signings.

However, the club’s strategy has been to maintain the core of their squad, aiming to build on the momentum from last season.

Important test

For Coach Hayford, tomorrow’s clash is more than just a friendly. It’s a litmus test for his squad’s cohesion and readiness.

Players like Ebenezer Abban, Lawrence Osei, Mustapha Yakubu, Christian Agyenim Boateng, Benson Kofi Yeboah, and Nana Kwame Oppong will be key figures, while all eyes will be on Obeng Jnr as he faces his former club.

The Lions will be keen to prove that last season’s survival was no fluke, and that they are ready to roar in the upcoming campaign.

The pre-match build-up has been intense. At a media briefing held at the Gbese Mantse’s Palace, both coaches exuded confidence.

Coach Hayford spoke of the motivation his players derive from facing a club of Hearts’ stature, with Christian Agyenim Boateng boldly predicting a 2-0 victory and urging the Lions’ supporters to pack the stadium. 

On the other side, Ivorian tactician Ouattara is determined to lead Hearts to their first silverware under his tenure, eager to erase the disappointment of their recent loss to Kotoko.