Heart of Lions will host Accra Hearts of Oak this Sunday in what promises to be an intense matchday two fixture of the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League season.
The Lions are entering the contest with renewed confidence after a resilient 1-1 draw away to Aduana FC at the Nana Agyemang Badu I Park in their season opener.
On the other hand, Hearts of Oak find themselves in a difficult position after suffering a shocking 1-0 defeat at home to newly promoted Basake Holy Stars last weekend. The Phobians will be desperate to claim their first win of the season and bounce back from their disappointing start.
Heart of Lions come into this fixture buoyed by their solid performance against Aduana FC. Despite being away from home, they managed to hold their own, earning a valuable point and showcasing their competitive edge.
Now, back on home soil, the Lions will look to build on that result and put pressure on a vulnerable Hearts of Oak side. For Hearts of Oak, Sunday’s game represents an opportunity to reset after their shocking defeat in matchday one.
The Phobians were one of the best away sides in the 2023/24 season, accumulating 18 points and scoring 20 goals on the road, despite starting the new campaign with a home loss.
A victory this weekend could provide the spark they need to turn their season around.The two sides last met at the Kpando Sports Stadium in the 2023/24 season, with the game ending in a goalless draw. This encounter offers both teams a chance to establish dominance early in the season.
Key Players to Watch:Heart of LionsEbenezer Abban – The prolific defender who netted 13 league goals last season will be central to the Lions’ defensive play.
His ability to find the back of the net could prove decisive.Ruben Hennessy – A key figure in the midfield, Hennessy will be crucial in orchestrating the Lions’ play and providing creativity in the final third.
Hearts of Oak:Kelvin Osei Asibey – As a vital part of the Phobians’ attack, Osei Asibey will be relied upon to lead the line and create scoring opportunities.
Mawuli Wayo – With his attacking flair, Wayo will be eager to make an impact and help Hearts of Oak secure their first win of the season.Team News:
Heart of Lions: Coach Bashir Hayford will rely on his top performers, including Ebenezer Abban, Ruben Hennessy, Abednego Tetteh, Obeng Junior and Seedorf Asante.
The Lions are expected to line up with a balanced side, looking to take control of the midfield and capitalize on their attacking opportunities. Hearts of Oak: Coach Aboubakar Ouattara will be keen to see a response from his side.
Players like Kelvin Osei Asibey, Raphael Amponsah, and Hamza Issah will be instrumental in helping the Phobians recover from their opening day loss.
The team will need to be more clinical in front of goal and avoid defensive lapses
Predictions”:
With Hearts of Oak under pressure to deliver, this fixture could be fiercely contested. The Lions will be tough to beat at home, but the Phobians’ experience might give them an edge.We say: Heart of Lions 1-1 Hearts of OakKickoff: 15:00 GMT (3:00 PM)
