Hearts seek respite in Kumasi

Hearts of Oak will be on the road to Kumasi, in search of respite when they meet rejuvenated King Faisal, in the final of the first round matches billed for the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, on Sunday.

Hearts are second from the foot of the log and only a win will push them up before the beckoning break ahead of the commencement of the Africa Nations Cup in South Africa on January, 19.

Having recorded an incredibly poor run thus far, their worst in their own floury history, the Phobians will be seeking to lift themselves up after that humbling 1-3 defeat to a 10-man Medeama side only days ago in Accra.

Kumasi is often described as good hunting grounds for the former champions, but Coach David Duncan will be the first to admit that his charges will need more than that to halt the chain of poor results to stand a realistic chance of beating the drop.

Elsewhere, Asante Kotoko will need to stay alert when they play as guest of unpredictable Liberty Professionals at the Sly Tetteh Park, Dansoman.

The host riding on the good form of Kennedy Ashia, and consistent Ebenezer Assifuah, only a week ago humbled Berekum Chelsea 5-1, and will like to push their lack even further.

Kotoko must have tasted their only defeat in the league to Chelsea, who only a week after that win also fell heavily to Liberty and that per the permutations should on paper mark the host as favourite traveling into the duel.

However, on a good day, former Liberty duo, Kofi Nti Boakye and Michael Helegbe are capable of grinding result for Kotoko’s Coach Didi Mas-Ud Dramani who has come under pressure following the clubs on and off run.

At the Tema Stadium, Amidaus Professionals could be favoured to send bottom-placed Real tamale United (RTU) home empty handed judging from the debutant fine form.

Expected to play without inspirational Yahaya Mohammed, who has been forced out of the Ghana squad for the Africa Cup by a groin injury, Amidaus still have the fire power to worsen their guest’s plight.

Aduana Stars and Ebusua Dwarfs could be set to serve a thriller at the Agyeman Badu Park, in Dormaa in a game of equals.

Arsenal will host Edubiase United at the Golden City Park, Berekum while leaders, Medeama lock horns with Tema Youth at the Tarkwa T&A Park. In an early kick-off on Saturday, Heart of Lions and Wa All Stars will clash in Kpando.