Hearts to face real test in Medeama
Some pundits have been quick to dismiss the apparent resurgence of sleeping giants, Accra Hearts of Oak, as a flash in the pan and believe they could face the real test when they play Medeama SC at the Tarkwa T&A park on Sunday.
Advertisement
Medeama, one of the most successful teams from last season having grabbed the MTN FA Cup and the Super Cup trophies, started the 2015/16 season on a losing note following their 1-2 defeat to Ashgold at Obuasi.
Now the Phobians face the reigning Super Champions in a game the influence of expatriate coaches of both sides are expected to play a big role in deciding the outcome.
The two highly animated expatriate coaches, Swede Tom Strand of Medeama and Japanese-American Kenichi Yatsuhashi of Hearts, have been credited for the remarkable transformation of their respective clubs, particularly the Tarkwa-based side, and fans would be expecting to see which of them has the last laugh on Sunday.
This game would not be short of drama from the touchline as Yatsuhashi’s gesticulations will be in full glare just as he did last Sunday when his side put up an inspiring performance to defeat New Edubiase United 1-0 in Accra. However, Strand is a well composed coach who told our sister paper, Graphic Sports, early in the week that he was in no mood for another defeat.
“We are playing at home and we are not ready to lose again. We lost to Ashgold last Sunday but it does not mean we will lose again,” he said.
In fact, the Tarkwa T&A Park has been a difficult terrain for Hearts who are yet to record a win in the last seven games away to Medeama.
This a startling record Yatsuhashi will be hoping to rewrite as he builds a winsome side around creative midfielder Samudeen Ibrahim, Sam Yeboah, Selasi Adjei and Robin Gnagne.
Other Trending Stories
But the visiting side will find an unyielding side undefeated at home last season and built around players such as goalkeeper Muntari Tagoe, Enoch Atta Agyei, Bismark Oppong and midfield star Kwasi Donsu.
In other matches, New Edubiase United will host Ebusua Dwarfs at Obuasi, Berekum Chelsea will welcome WAFA to the Berekum Golden City Park, while Techiman City trek to the Essipong stadium to clash with Sekondi Hasaacas.
The Nana Agyemang Badu park at Dormaa-Ahenkro will host a potentially tough battle between Aduana Stars and Wa All Stars, Liberty Professionals will welcome Inter Allies to the Carl Reindorf park at Dansoman, while newcomers Dreams FC welcome Bechem United to the Dawu park.