Ghana Premier League: Hearts aim to break FC Samartex hoodoo

The Ghana Premier League roars back into action this weekend with a blockbuster fixture in Samreboi as Hearts of Oak face reigning champions, FC Samartex 1996, in a game that could define both teams' title hopes.

For Hearts, this is more than just another game—it is a chance to end their frustrating winless streak against FC Samartex. The Phobians have yet to defeat the champions in their four meetings since FC Samartex entered the top flight. 

Coach Aboubakar Ouattara’s side have won their last four matches in all competitions and come into this game with their confidence boosted by an excellent defensive record, with goalkeeper Benjamin Asare boasting an impressive 10 clean sheets in all competitions.

Meanwhile, forward Mawuli Wayo, has been in red-hot form with three goals in as many matches and will be at the heart of the Phobians attack.

However, FC Samartex are not to be underestimated, especially at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena. The home side, and with the addition of new midfielder Awuah Dramani, will look to extend their dominance over the Phobians and continue their rise after a poor start.

Elsewhere, the action continues across the country with several other thrilling matchups.

In Kumasi, Asante Kotoko will host Vision FC at the Baba Yara Stadium in a must-win encounter for the Porcupine Warriors. After a recent resurgence with four wins and a draw in the last five matches, Kotoko will be looking to secure all three points to keep up the pressure on the leaders.

However, they will be without several key players, including Emmanuel Kotei, Fredrick Asare, and Albert Amoah, all sidelined due to injury.
Coach Prosper Narteh Ogum will be hoping the likes of Kwame Opoku, who has netted three goals in his last three games, can carry the team forward.

Vision FC, however, will not make it easy. Despite being winless in their last seven away matches, they are a side that could surprise, with coach Nana Agyemang vowing to get a result against the giants of Kumasi: “We are going to do everything possible to try and get the three points against Asante Kotoko. If Asante Kotoko underrates Vision FC, they do that at their own peril.”

Accra Lions, who are without a win in their last three matches, will take on Bibiani Gold Stars FC at the WAFA Park in Sogakope.

At Nana Komnamansah Park, Nsoatreman FC will host a struggling Karela United side. Nsoatreman FC will be looking to bounce back after a series of disappointing results (they are without a win in the last five matches), while Karela, languishing in the relegation zone, need a victory to revive their season.

Premier League newcomers Basake Holy Stars return to their familiar territory at Crosby Awuah Memorial Park to face Aduana FC. Both teams have been inconsistent this season, but with home advantage,

Holy Stars will look strong to secure a fourth straight win at Aiyinase even though Aduana FC are unbeaten in the last five matches on the road.

Medeama SC travel to the Golden City Park to face Berekum Chelsea in a match that promises to be a real test for the Mauve and Yellows.

After a frustrating 1-1 draw with Asante Kotoko in Week 16, Medeama will be looking to bounce back and maintain their push for the top, but they will need to overcome a tough Chelsea side.

League leaders Kpando Heart of Lions will face a stiff challenge from third-placed Nations FC in what is sure to be a thrilling encounter at the Kpando Sports Stadium.

The two teams are separated by just one point, and both will be determined to secure three points to maintain their respective title pushes.

However, Coach Bashir Hayford’s side are unbeaten in Kpando this season (six wins and two draws in eight matches) and will aim to roar loudly before their home fans to maintain their hold on the top spot on the log

In a battle of contrasting fortunes, 13th-placed Young Apostles will host Bechem United in a Bono derby. Bechem United are on an impressive 10-match unbeaten streak and sit just two points off the top of the table.

Young Apostles will be hoping to shock the high-flying Bechem and lift themselves out of relegation trouble.

Bottom club Legon Cities will welcome Dreams FC to the University of Ghana Stadium in a clash between two struggling sides. Legon Cities have lost their last five matches and new coach Yaw Acheampong faces the daunting task of rescuing the club as they aim to turn their fortunes around against a Dreams FC side who are unbeaten in their last four matches on the road.