Former champions Accra Hearts of Oak aim to get back to winning ways on Sunday after losing 1-0 to Real Tamale United on Matchday One of the 2023/24 betPawa Premier League season.
The Phobians host Nsoatreman FC at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday as they seek to continue their smooth run against their host.
Hearts of Oak are unbeaten in two games against Nsoatreman FC having recorded two wins in their last two meetings.
The former African champions were the only side that defeated Nsoatreman FC at home in their debut Premier League season – scoring 3 and conceding 1 goal in the process.
Nsoatreman FC had a blistering start to the season with a 2-0 victory over Bechem United at home.
New recruits Manaf Umar and Osei Bonsu scored in either half to give them victory against the Hunters – setting the tone for a good season. Nsoatreman have lost 15 of their last 17 away games – picking only 1 win over Berekum Chelsea and snatching a draw against Kotoku Royals in the 2022/23 campaign.
Former Asante Kotoko and Legon Cities head coach, Maxwell Konadu goes into the game with an impeccable record against Hearts of Oak – as he remains unbeaten in games against the Phobians. Maxwell who who took over in July this year, had enough time to put the team in shape ahead of the season. The former Ghana forward comes up against Martinus Hendrikus Wilhelmus Koopman who lost his first game to Real Tamale United.
The Phobians have signed Martin Karikari, Rapheal Dwamena, Kelvin Osei Asibey, Kofi Agbesima, Liventus Arthur, Ramos Kashala Wanet, Michael Ampadu, Evans Adomako with Salifu Ibrahim, Kwadwo Obeng Junior, Dennis Korsah and Suraj Seidu all available for selection.
Nsoatreman FC have also brought on board Manaf Umar, Osei Bonsu, Felix Hammond, Dennis Votere and Kwabena Adu Meider in their bid to maintain their Premier League status for the second time running.
The game will be broadcast live on StarTimes Adepa channel 247 at 3pm on Sunday.
Elsewhere at Bechem – Bechem United will lock horns with Dreams FC at the Nana Fosu Gyeabuor Park. The Hunters are on a mission to redeem themselves while Dreams FC hope to continue their good start to the season. Bechem United lost their match day one fixture to Nsoatreman FC as Dreams FC beat Nations FC 1-0 at Dawu.
Also on Sunday, Karela United will host Berekum Chelsea at the Aliu Mahama Stadium in Tamale. This will be their first ever home game in Tamale, following their switch from the Crosby Awuah Memorial Park at Aiyinase. Karela United gave away an early lead to lose 2-1 to Legon Cities with Berekum Chelsea also beating Bibiani Gold Stars at the Golden City Park. Karela United have won their last two home games against Berekum Chelsea – 2021/22 Karela United 2-1 Berekum Chelsea, 2022/23 Karela United 4-1 Berekum Chelsea.
Meanwhile New Boys Heart of Lions after drawing 0-0 against Asante Kotoko at the Baba Yara Stadium will host Accra Great Olympics at the Sogakope Park.
Heart of Lions last participated in the Ghana premier league in 2015 where they finished 14th place and hit relegated. Accra Great Olympics have lost two, drawn one and lost one of their last four games against newly promoted sides. Heart of Lions maintained their new head coach and remains the only newly promoted side to keep their trainer for the Premier League.
Ebenezer Abban, Denis Hutor, Fawzi Ali, Ruben Hennessy, Kwesi Pong and Yaw Danso are some of the notable names in their set up.
Accra Great Olympics drew their first game at home against Bofoakwa Tano.
Another new entrants- Nations FC will host FC Samartex at the Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports complex at Abrankese. Nations FC aims to bounce back from their 1-0 loss to Dreams FC with Samartex looking to continue their flying start after beating Aduana FC at home.
Champions Medeama SC have a tough task against two-time winners Aduana FC at the Nana Agyemang Badu I Park – Dormaa. The two Premier League giants started the campaign in the wrong footing following unimpressive results against FC Samartex 1996 and Accra Lions.
While Medeama SC twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with Accra Lions at Tarkwa, Aduana FC lost to FC Samartex 1996 at Nana Nsenkyire Park.
Finally, Accra Lions and Legon Cities will slug things out at the in the battle of Accra at the Accra Sports stadium. Accra Lions surprised champions Medeama SC by pinning them to a 2-2 draw at the Akoon Park and aim to solidify that performance against Legon Cities at home.
Accra Lions have won three of their first round games (four) against Legon Cities. Accra Lions recorded back to back victories against Legon Cities in their first season (2021/22), and won at home and lost to Legon Cities in the reverse fixture at El- Wak Stadium.
Accra Lions head coach, Ibrahim Tanko will rely on Abdul Shakun Abubakari who joined from Steadfast FC and Yahaya Mohammed who also joined from Tamale City.
Legon Cities under coach, Samuel Kwesi Fabin won their first home game at the El-Wak stadium against Karela United and will be hoping to record their first away victory against Accra Lions.
The game will be broadcast live on Startimes Adepa channel 247.
