GPL Preview: Hearts begin home journey against Ashgold

Week two of the Ghana Premier League will kickstart with a Saturday fixture between Hearts of Oak and AshantiGold at the Cape Coast stadium.

The Phobians are the home side but will hold no advantage as they try to adapt to their new grounds, following the temporary closure of the Accra Sports stadium for renovation.

Last week, Hearts battled to a 1-1 draw with newly-promoted side Eleven Wonders, having squandered an early lead.

Ashanti Gold, on the other hand, recorded a narrow 1-0 win over Wa All Stars at the Len Clay stadium in Obuasi.

Both sides have struggled in the league in recent years – Hearts have not won it since 2009, whiles the Miners escaped relegation by the skin of their teeth last season.

However, a fairly entertaining game is expected when both sides clash in Cape Coast on Saturday. Coach Henry Willington and his Hearts of Oak side are looking for a first win of the season, but they are certain to face a stern test from AshantiGold.

The Miners are a totally transformed side under the guidance of manager CK Akonnor and look like a side capable of challenging for a top-four place this season.

Whiles the Phobians will start as favourites, the Obuasi-based side boasts the needed quality to trouble any team they face in the division.

Close-signings Michael Oppong, Latif Anabila and Isaac Quansah are expected to play a key role if Ashanti Gold is get something from this fixture.

For Hearts of Oak, though, the likes of Patrick Razak, Samudeen Ibrahim and the talismanic Winful Cobbinah will be the men to look out for when the Phobians take to the pitch.

The last fixture between both sides ended with the Ashanti Gold triumphing 1-0, but the Miners will have it tougher this time, especially with Coach Wellington’s side looking to stay within touching distance of the top half of the table.

The Accra-based side currently sit in 8th position on the league log, whiles Ashanti Gold occupy 2nd spot after the first round of fixtures.

Related Article: Akonnor hopeful that Hearts won’t have easy Ashgold tie

Source:Myjoyonline