League contest shifts to bottom clubs

When two-time African champions, Kumasi Asante Kotoko first entered the record books as the only club to have won the domestic elite league for four consecutive times in 1993, many were those who saw it as an uphill for other clubs to either equal or surpass them.

But that was just a matter of time as the crumble of that “super power” brought to the fore some fame- hungry contenders in subsequent years. In 1996 Obuasi Goldfields came close to rivalling that record but were short by one after winning the premiership thrice on the trot.

But lo and behold Premier Club Accra Hearts of Oak took over from Goldfields as the next emerging force and have known no turning back since. Last year Hearts made a big impact in their 90 years of existence by becoming joint record holders after winning their fourth league cup on the run apart from lifting their first ever African cup.

And as if that was not enough the Phobians have raised the standard ever further this year, after going down in history as the only club to have won the league for an unprecedented five times running. The champions ensured a successful defence of the title last Sunday even with two more games to go when they drew 1-1 with Arsenals at Berekum to stretch the difference between them and closest rivals Kotoko to nine points.

Even though the league is virtually over for the two giants, they still need to honour their last two games for the sake of pride. This is why Hearts are expected to be their normal self when they wrestle bogey side Dawu Youngsters at the Accra Stadium.

Like Hearts, Dawu who are currently placed fourth with 42 points are also safe from any trouble and will rather aim at booking a continental birth especially, where they are at par with third- placed Goldfields separated only by goals difference. What perhaps will inspire Hearts to go all out is the manner Dawu deflated Kotoko’s ego last Sunday.

The goalking factor will also come into play as Ishmael Addo is still hungry for more goals to increase his current tally if 20.

Suhum Maxbees who are struggling hard to escape relegation will be at the mercy of Kotoko at the Kumasi Sports Stadium. Having crushed 0-1 at Dawu, indications are that the Porcupine Warriors will be determined to win this time to console their troubled fans.

Okwawu United will play host to Great Olympics in a close contest at Nkawkaw while Ghapoha need to beat visiting Arsenals in Accra on Saturday to stay clear of relegation. At Obuasi Goldfieds start as favourites against Liberty, with RTU who have been trapped by the relegation net doing everything possible to liberate themselves with victory over Bofoakwa at Tamale.

Sekondi Hasaacas are expected to be ruthless against another relegation- threatened side, Adansiman at the Sekondi Gyandu Park while bottom club Kwaebibirem could also be trusted to beat King Faisal at Asoum.