League bounces back after tragic break: Hearts to establilsh supriority over Young Apostles

After a month’s hiatus, Ghana’s top-flight football is roaring back this weekend, with the action kicking off with Accra Hearts of Oak welcoming Young Apostles at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium on Saturday – a fixture that promises to ignite the league title race!

The league was suspended following the tragic stabbing of Asante Kotoko supporter Francis Yaw Frimpong, known affectionately as Pooley, during a heated encounter with Nsoatreman FC at the Nana Koronamansah II Park at Twumasikrom, near Nsoatre. 

His untimely death sent shockwaves throughout Ghana and sparked urgent calls for a revamp of matchday security.

At the time the league was halted, Bibiani Gold Stars and Asante Kotoko were locked in a nerve-wracking tie on 34 points, with the Gold Stars edging ahead on goal difference after 19 rounds.

Now, fourth-placed Hearts, who had struggled early on before finding their stride, are poised to bridge the gap.

With a mere point separating them from the leaders, the Phobians are setting their sights on a serious title challenge despite lingering concerns over their month-long break and a recent FA Cup exit.

Coach Aboubakar Ouattara is determined to turn the tide for Hearts, banking on star players like goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, Hamsah Issah, Mawuli Wayo, Salim Adams, Abdul Aziz Nurudeen, and Ramzy Yusif to secure maximum points.

Meanwhile, Young Apostles – languishing in 10th place – are eager to upset the odds and atone for a 2-1 defeat in the reverse fixture, a match in which they have yet to record a win against Hearts in the elite division.

The drama continues on Sunday when Asante Kotoko seek to move beyond the sorrow of the Pooley incident as they face Legon Cities at the Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi.

A win for the Porcupine Warriors would not only cement their title ambitions but could also see them reclaim the summit from Gold Stars, while relegation-battling Legon Cities face an uphill struggle.

Other exciting clashes include Medeama SC hosting Bechem United at the Tarkwa and Aboso Stadium – a high-stakes encounter with both sides separated by just a single point. At the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium, Karela United will host Basake

Holy Stars FC, as the home side fight to climb the league ladder and avoid the drop.

The weekend’s calendar also features Dreams FC looking to halt Aduana FC’s charge at the Tuba Astro turf park, with Kpando Heart of Lions set to travel to the Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex to face Vision FC. Meanwhile, Berekum Chelsea will host Accra Lions at the Golden City Park, and Nations FC will visit Bibiani Dun’s Park to clash with Gold Stars.

Finally, on Monday next week, Nsoatreman FC will welcome defending champions FC Samartex 1996 at the Accra Stadium after being banned from their home ground following the tragic incident last month.

In response to Pooley’s death, the Ghana Football Association has introduced revamped Matchday Safety and Security Protocols, featuring bolstered crowd control measures, rapid emergency response systems, and tighter security checks across all venues.

This weekend’s fixtures will benefit from an even heavier security presence, part of a sweeping 33-point action plan spearheaded by Inspector General of Police Dr George Akuffo-Dampare to stamp out football-related violence and safeguard stadiums nationwide.