Ghana Premier League Matchday 4: Hearts of Oak set to test Nations FC’s home invincibility
Accra Hearts of Oak will be aiming to shatter Nations FC’s impressive 18-game unbeaten home record when they face off at the Kwame Kyei Sports Complex tomorrow in a mouth-watering Week 4 encounter of the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League season.
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After securing a convincing 2-0 win over Bechem United last weekend, Hearts are eager to build on their newfound momentum following a rocky start to the season that saw them succumb to consecutive losses to Basake Holy Stars and Kpando Heart of Lions.
The win has revived hopes of a turnaround, but Coach Aboubakar Ouattara insists there is still plenty of work to be done.
Despite the recent morale-boosting win, Hearts’ Head Coach, Aboubakar Ouattara, remains cautious calling for significant improvement in his side’s performance if they are to reassert themselves as title contenders.
The Ivorian tactician is no stranger to toppling the odds, having led Hearts to a crucial 1-0 away victory at Abrankese last season. He will be looking to repeat that feat tomorrow and end Nations FC’s formidable run.
Frontman Hamza Issah, who netted the decisive goal in their previous triumph over Nations FC, is set to spearhead the attack once again.
Meanwhile, Ouattara is expected to call upon former Nations FC players, Michael Mensah Awuah and Asamoah Boateng Afriyie, to return to familiar territory and haunt their old club.
Afriyie, who was one of last season’s standout performers with 11 goals, will be eager to make a statement in front of his former fans.
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Nations FC, however, are determined not to let history repeat itself. The club’s Commercial Manager, Kennedy Boakye Ansah, has thrown down the gauntlet, vowing that Hearts will leave the stadium “highly bruised.”
In an interview on Accra-based Metro TV last Wednesday, he cited unresolved financial disputes between the two clubs over player transfers as an added motivation to dish out painful revenge against the Phobians.
Under the guidance of Coach Kassim Mingle, Nations FC have carved out a formidable reputation at home, and their squad, featuring key players such as Razak Simpson, Prince Acquah and Yussif Alhassan Chibsah, will be determined to extend their unbeaten streak this season.
With two draws and a win so far, the home side are poised to turn the game into a fierce battle and secure a statement victory.
Tomorrow’s encounter with the Phobians will be the veteran coach’s 38th premier league game in charge of Nations FC during which he has steered the Abankese-based side to 15 wins, nine draws and 13 losses.
Other encounters
In Berekum, Asante Kotoko will have to be at their best when they face Berekum Chelsea at the Golden City Park, a ground where Chelsea have emerged victorious in their last two encounters against the Porcupine Warriors.
Chelsea head coach Samuel Boadu, inspired by Young Apostles’ 1-1 draw with Kotoko last weekend, is confident his side can hand Kotoko another tough outing.
Coach Boadu has lost once as Chelsea head coach at home against Hearts in the league -- the only game his side have failed to score at the Golden City Park.
Meanwhile, at the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park, 13th-placed Bechem United will be desperate for their first win of the season against a Dreams FC side sitting 10th on the table, while Basake Holy Stars host Medeama SC in a tense regional derby at the Crosby Awuah Memorial Park.
Elsewhere, winless Aduana FC have a daunting task as they visit the Wenchi Sports Stadium to take on unbeaten Young Apostles, who will be looking to secure their first victory of the campaign after holding Kotoko to a stalemate.
Undefeated Heart of Lions will aim to continue their perfect home record at the Kpando Sports Stadium against league leaders Bibiani Gold Stars.
Coach Bashir Hayford’s charges have been invincible at home since December, winning their last six league matches at Kpando, and they are poised to extend that streak against a high-flying Gold Stars side.
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Defending champions FC Samartex, who are recovering from their early exit in the CAF Champions League, will be eyeing a return to form as they host Vision FC at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena, while Legon Cities play Karela United at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, with both teams seeking their maiden wins of the season.
The weekend’s fixtures begin this afternoon at the University of Ghana Stadium, where Accra Lions host Nsoatreman FC. After a difficult start to the season with no wins in their first three games, Ibrahim Tanko’s charges are eager to pick up their first victory.
But Nsoatreman FC, who secured a 2-0 victory over Young Apostles in their opener, will look to make it two wins in a row.
In their four previous meetings, Accra Lions have won twice, while Nsoatreman FC have managed just one win and one draw. Last season, the Lions clinched a 2-1 victory at home and earned a 1-1 draw at the Nana Kronmansah Park, Twumasikrom.
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