Hearts, Kotoko, Dwarfs in action
Ghanaian premiership clubs will step-up their preparations for the upcoming season, which is expected to start on February 20, with a series of exciting matches this weekend.
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As of the time of going to press yesterday, many clubs were still scrambling to book last-minute opponents after being hit by late withdrawals or postponements.
Dreams FC were one of such casualties with their Administrative Manager, Ameenu Shardow, confirming to the Graphic Sports that their intended opponents for an abortive high-profile friendly, Accra Hearts of Oak, had asked for a postponement in order to mark the 11th anniversary of winning the CAF Confederations Cup.
Consequently, Coach Kenichi Yatsuhatshi’s Hearts side, who have failed to impress so far in their off-season games, will host Nigerian premiership side, Ifeanyi Ubah FC, and the Millenium squad, a team comprising of their former players, in a double header on Sunday at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The Phobians have failed to provide their fans with hope in the off-season, losing 4-1 to WAFA in a behind-closed-doors friendly, capitulating 5-0 on aggregate away at Libyan side, Al Ahl Tripoli, before playing out a 1-1 draw with Inter Allies last Sunday at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The Phobians will use the tie to give their new signings, including GN Bank Division One League Best Player, Samudeen Ibrahim, Samuel Yeboah and Cosmos Dauda, a chance to settle.
In Kumasi, Hearts bitter rivals, Asante Kotoko, have cancelled their friendly with Medeama SC in favour of a date with Bechem United at the Baba Yara Stadium.
The cancellation of the friendly have left MTN FA Cup holders, Medeama, in a fix. However, the Deputy Communications Manager of Medeama, Patrick Akoto, told the Graphic Sports that his side were taking steps to find a replacement soon.
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The Porcupine Warriors, unlike the Phobians, have enjoyed a purple patch in the off-season and will be hoping to add Bechem to their list of conquests after winning the GHALCA 6 title and returning from Libya with a memorable 0-1 aggregate loss to Al Ahli Tripoli.
Bechem United lost both league matches to Kotoko last season and will have their newly-appointed coach, Belgian Erradi Mohammed Adil, in attendance to monitor his new team ahead of acquiring a work permit.
In another all-premiership friendly, Liberty Professionals will welcome newly-promoted side, Ebusua Dwarfs, to the Carl Reindorf Stadium at Dansoman.
Liberty coach, George Lamptey, registered a youthful 29-man squad for the season and will be expecting his experienced players, such as Tamimu Montari and goalie Stephen Kwaku, to guide their colleagues through the game.
Liberty are also coming off a 0-0 draw with debutants, Dreams FC, at the Legon Park last Wednesday.
Veteran trainer of Ebusua Dwarfs, J.E. Sarpong, is bracing for yet another crack at the Ghanaian top-flight and has urged his young squad to take inspiration from his former protégé, Asamoah Gyan, as they prepare for the season.