Hearts battle Young Apostles, Kotoko host Legon Cities …as GPL action returns
Football returns this weekend after a little over a month’s forced break, following fans misbehaviour at Nsoatre during a match day 19 game involving local side, Nsoatreman FC, and Asante Kotoko.
Five red cards were flashed by the referee in charge as players freely traded fisticuffs.
The height of the unfortunate incident was the cold murder of staunch Asante Kotoko fan, Nana Pooley, by a yet to be identified fan on the run.
It marked one of the darkest days in Ghana’s elite football history.
Several actions have followed including the arrest of Mr Ignatius Baffour, bankroller of Nsoatreman FC, to aid investigation over the incident.
That also have led to the introduction of an Enhanced Matchday Security Protocol to be observed at every match venue that passes the latest test of the Club Licensing Committee.
The two traditional giants, gunning fiercely for the diadem to return to Africa club competition again, Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko would be at the forefront.
Starting today, Hearts will host Young Apostles FC in a game expected to be explosive, if what was witnessed in the reversed encounter was anything to go by.
The Phobians’ campaign in the FA Cup was surprisingly cut short by a lower division side, Golden Kick, last week, making the Premier League the only hope of a silverware.
It is the reason Coach Aboubakar Ouattara will leave nothing to chance in the bid to annex the maximum points, a task that can only be realised after a good fight.
At the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Asante Kotoko would worsen the plight of struggling Legon Cities when they clash on Sunday.
What looks like the biggest clash, however, is the one between league leaders, Bibiani Gold, Stars and fifth-placed, Nations FC, at the Bibiani Dun’s Park on Sunday.
Nations FC have been very good this season but a little inconsistent with outcomes from away matches.
That gives Goldstars a little advantage considering the encouraging form they have shown at home.
Vision FC will attempt a giant killing feat when they welcome highflying Kpando Heart of Lions to the Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex on Sunday.
Lions, undoubtedly the biggest surprise package this season after surviving relegation last season, have turned a new leaf.
At a point in the competition, they occupied the top spot and rubbed shoulders with favourites but appears to have lost the steam to challenge for top honours.
Against the lads from Tema, they have a chance to get back to the top positions on the table but that looks unlikely against Vision FC who would be chasing their second successive win.
Berekum Chelsea will engage strugglers, Accra Lions, at the Nana Agyemang Badu I Park in Dormaa in a match that the visitors must earn a point to boost their quest for survival.
At the Tarkwa and Abosso Stadium, Medeama SC would clash with Bechem United just as the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium play host to the Karela United and Basake Holy Stars game.
Despite playing at home, Dreams FC will have it tough dismissing the bluff of Aduana Stars at the Tuba Astro Turf Park.
The Bibiani Dun’s Park would host the Nsoatreman FC versus FC Samartex 1996 game on Monday.
BY ANDREW NORTEY
