GPL day 4 preview: Hearts chase first win; Kotoko-Ashgold in derby affair

The Ghana Premier League (GHPL) continues this weekend with match day four games across all 8 league centers with Hearts of Oak still chasing a first win while Kotoko and AshantiGold take center stage in the Ashanti Derby.

Accra

Hearts of Oak’s chase for a first win of the season will be put to the test when they host defending league champions Wa All Stars on Sunday. The phobians have gone three games without a win, and will seek to record their first victory under new coach Frank Nuttall. This will be Wa All Stars’ first game of the season following their disappointing exit from the the CAF Champions league. Enos Adepa’s side face a daunting task to defend the league title they won in September.

Obuasi

Asante Kotoko will be at the Obuasi Len clay Sports stadium to battle Ashantigold in a regional derby.

The Porcupine Warriors are yet to lose a game since the start of the season. But they have only scored one goal from open play in their opening three games.

Dzravko Lugarusic’s side have in all of their last three visits to the Len Clay stadium.

Ashantigold meanwhile will be feeling confident ahead of the tie following their come-from-behind midweek draw against Tema Youth. Striker Hans Kwofie has been involved in all 4 of Ashgold’s goals this season, scoring three and setting up the other.

Sogakope

Elsewhere, Wafa will host current league leaders Aduana Stars on Saturday at the Red Bull arena in Sogakope. The academy side are on a 29-game unbeaten run at home while their guest have a 100 percent start to the season with three wins out of their opening three games. When the two sides met last season, it ended 1-1 with an acrobatic Bright Agyei finish cancelling out WAFA’s opener.

Elmina

Elmina Sharks, fresh from their vital away point secured against Olympics, will battle Tema Youth at the Ndoum sports stadium in Elmina. Sharks lost their opening game at home and will hope to bring back the funfair in Elmina when they host fellow new comers Dreams FC. Benjamin Tweneboah is in hot form for Sharks after scoring one and setting up the other in their pulsating 2-2 draw with Olympics in midweek.

Tamale

Bottom placed Bolga All Stars host Accra Great Olympics at the Tamale Utrecht Academy Park. The newly promoted All Stars have lost their opening 2 games, conceding 7 goals in the process. They are yet to play a home game and will hope the game against Olympics can kick-start what already looks like a dwindling campaign. Olympics are also still searching for their first win this season. But with Abel Manomey on the scoresheet 3 times already this season, the Dade boys will be cautiously optimistic in Tamale.

Bechem

Bechem United who are yet to pick a point after their elimination from the CAF Confederation cup, will slug it out with regional rivals Berekum Chelsea at the Nana Fosu Gyeabour park in Bechem. The Hunters have only played one game this season – an unlucky narrow 1-0 loss to Kumasi Asante Kotoko in midweek.

Bechem have emerged victorious in the last two encounters at home to Chelsea. Striker Amed Toure, who has already scored twice for Bechem in Africa this season, is the the man to watch.

Dansoman

Liberty Professionals will play as host to Medeama SC at the Carl Reindoff Park in Dansoman. Medeama are unbeaten so far this season with one win and two draws. The Scientific Soccer lads have just one win which came at home to Inter Allies on match day 2.

Inter Allies welcome Ebusua Dwarfs to the El Wak sports stadium still looking for a first win. But a hard-fought 1-1 draw away to Medeama would’v boosted their confidence ahead of the tie. Their guests, Dwarfs, held Hearts of Oak to a 1-1 draw in midweek after conceding early in the first half.