Soccer News of Saturday, 18 January 2003

Source: GNA

Division One: Olympiako clash with Sportive

The time for assessment and cuddling seem to be over, paving the way for a crackling third week matches this weekend, as the division one league gathers momentum.

And apart from the excitement that has engulfed the league, the competitiveness promises to be even keener with the institution of a special award scheme to enhance goal scoring. The highest goal scoring team each week, receives 100, 000 cedis to bolster the striking prowess of players.

The top liner this weekend certainly, is the encounter between A.C Olympiakos and Tema Real Sportive at the Dawu Sports Stadium.

After a breathtaking 3-1 victory over beleaguered Tudu Mighty Jets in their first match at the Accra Sports Stadium, Olympiakos' second assignment was not to be, as their next opponents, Great Afienya United, were involved in a motor accident a few kilometres to the Koforidua Stadium, venue for last Wednesday's encounter.

Three of the team's players were seriously injured and is not even clear whether the club is ready psychologically to honour this weekend matches.

Joseph Ade Coker, President of Olympiakos could quit from football if his team fails to book a place in next premiership after his first attempt failed since moving out of Accra Great Olympics.

Against this backdrop, both players and officials are approaching every match with all the seriousness it deserves and this Sunday's encounter would not be exception. But Sportive who were thumped 3-1 by Kwaebibirem at the Accra Stadium last Wednesday would try to salvage their image with at least a draw; making the encounter very dicey.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA), is yet to come out with s statement as to whether Afienya should honour their match against Mighty Jets or not scheduled for the Legon Park.

Kwaebibirem whose morale has been reinforced after last Wednesday's 3-1 victory over Sportive are tipped for another sweet victory over whipping boys, Mamobi Midtjilland at the Liberty Park.

Other Zone 3A matches coming up are King Solomon versus Sportnet at the Accra Sports Stadium while Diamond Stars face Seven United.

On Saturday, Alhaji Franco's Stay Cool Professionals of Banana Inn, will lock horns with Mighty Royals in a match of equals, Voradep meet with Khalid at Tema, Volta Warriors clash with Delorm Royals at Koforidua while on Sunday; Freedom Stars would pitch their strength against Hearts of Lions at Tema and at Kpando, Home Stars welcome Ghapoha Readers (Teshie Mariners).

In Zone 2A, Gold Stars lock horns with Amansie, Kumasi White Eagles clash with Adansiman, Kaaseman engage Krofrom, Neoplan versus Gag Roos and Cornerstone face Samartex.

Zone 2B would also witness some crunch encounters. Dwarfs and Vipers would certainly set the Cape Coast Stadium alight while Salgado versus Iron Fighters at Swedru Stadium would be mouth-watering. Bafana versus Eleven Wise at Sekondi and Odupong against BRM completes the fixtures in the Zone.

Evergreen Upper West Heroes and Judy Bless meet at Wa, Kwamex versus Soccer Ambassadors at Lawra, Kintampo lock horns with Topsymore at Brekum and Bronkyempem vie with Prontier Stars at Sunyani, all in Zone 1B.