Accra Hearts of Oak coach Frank Nuttall must brace up for a tough challenge on Sunday as his side comes face to face with Aduana Stars. The Ghana Premier League’s topmost fixture will be at the Nana Agyemang Badu Park at Dormaa-Ahenkro as the home side seeks to maintain its position on top of the league log.
Coach Nuttall and his charges may have finally got their first win of the season after Hearts’ 2-1 victory over Wa All Stars last Sunday in Accra but this weekend’s assignment appears more daunting considering the history of clashes between the two clubs at Dormaa-Ahenkro which often tilts in favour of the home side.
The two sides are unbeaten in four matches this season and that makes Sunday’s encounter more challenging as they seek vital points to improve their standing on the league table.
Aduana have won three games and drawn one but have the same point as second-placed Kumasi Asante Kotoko but with a better goal difference.
The Phobians have recorded three draws with just a win. But after beating All Stars, Scotsman Nuttall is confident his players will improve as the competition grows because they are gradually adapting to his style of play.
Aduana will be another strong test for Nuttall as he builds a winsome team around the defensive duo, Inusah Musah and Vincent Atinga, who frustrated All Stars strikers last Sunday, with midfielders Patrick Razak, Malik Akowuah, Alex Kouassi, Sam Yeboah and Thomas Abbey pushing for the goals in attack.
Aduana coach, Yusif Abubakar, on the other hand, will line up a battalion of soldiers, including his captain, Godfred Saka, Daniel Dankwah, Bright Adjei, Elvis Opoku and Zakaria Mumuni to stop the Phobians from splitting the points which could eventually cost them the top spot.
At the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, Asante Kotoko will welcome new entrants, Elmina Sharks, in a match that can be described as a “David and Goliath” meeting.
And if their performance in the competition is anything to go by, Kotoko at the summit while Sharks are in the bottom half of the log, the Porcupine Warriors look favourites for a home win.
In other games, Mysterious Ebusua Dwarfs host Medeama SC at the Robert Mensah Stadium in Cape Coast, Tema Youth engage Bolga All Stars at the Tema Stadium, Berekum Chelsea versus Ashantigold at Golden City Park, Wa All Stars play as guests to Inter Allies at the Wa Stadium, while Accra Great Olympics meet WAFA at the Accra Sports Stadium.
By: Graphic Online
