WAFA aim to halt Ashgold …as Hearts get set to tame Sharks
Ashantigold’s positive run in the ongoing Ghana Premier League (GPL) is set to be tested again tomorrow in the 12th week fixtures of the competition that takes them to Sogakope to face the might of WAFA.
The Miners have gone unbeaten in their last six games including last weekend’s FA Cup matches to book qualification to the round of 32 stage of the FA Cup competition and chalked 11 points from a possible 15.
That statistic makes the ‘Aboakese’ lads very ‘hot’ customers for WAFA at their previously feared home grounds which appear to have lost that fear factor.
With Hearts and Kotoko drawing there and Liberty Professionals pulling a magnificent feat over them, it goes to suggest Ashgold could force a bitter pill down the throat of the host considering their recent form.
Pursued by the Kotokos, Berekum Chelseas, Aduana Stars and others, Ashgold knows they need the win to maintain their top spot and would wish to go for it at all cost.
However, coming face to face with the league leaders is another huge motivation that can propel every single WAFA player to aim to cause upset, knowing the rave reviews it may generate in the sports media landscape.
After overcoming a stubborn Bechem United side last weekend, via a late Kofi Kordzie goal, Accra Hearts of Oak will have to rewrite the script if they want to avoid a similar situation when they face Elmina Sharks at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Hearts laboured late in the game before a ‘God-sent’ opportunity was headed home by Kordzie.
But that situation could have been avoided had Kodie, Afriyie Barnie and Joseph Esso had taken their chances in the game.
Coming to such a difficult place as the Accra Stadium, Sharks will hope that Hearts will continue in that form but the uneasy calm it has generated among the fans is suggestive of their impatience at the manner goals are wasted.
Hearts consolation will be Shark’s poor away performance and the fact that they will play defensively and attack less.
That will give Hearts some reprieve as a less threatened defence will have the chance to bombard forward but must be wary of the spaces they leave behind for the Sharks to exploit.
The Acoon Park in Tarkwa will also be full of fireworks when Medeama SC host Accra Great Olympics in a game the visitors are burnt on using to end their poor run.
The going has been tough for the Agosu lads, struggling to hold their own with sides including WAFA and Techiman XI Wonders; games they should have won to boost their quest for survival.
And, despite playing well in some other games, especially games against Berekum Chelsea and Aduana Stars, Oly’s problems seem to be the lack of potency with the attack which showed some improvement in their FA Cup game against Division One side, Mighty Jets. In other games on Saturday, Dreams FC will welcome Aduana Stars to their home ground in Dawu as Legon Citites play Techiman Eleven Wonders at the Accra Sports Stadium.
But expecting Olympics to beat Medeama at their own backyard is like asking them to put on show their wondrous nature when they have so far lacked the character for that.
It looks like another win for the home team but Annor Walker’s new formula could pull a surprise for the Agosu lads who should be content in a draw.
Elsewhere, Berekum Chelsea will lock horns with King Faisal at the Golden City Park with Ebusua Dwarfs playing Inter Allies at the Cape Coast Stadium.
Liberty Professionals will host Karela United at Dansoman.
Today, Dreams FC will welcome Aduana Stars to their Dawu base just as Legon Citites play Techiman Eleven Wonders at the Accra Sports Stadium.
BY ENOCH SIAW NTIAMAOH