League hits low profile in week two

The impending continental assignments of Ghana's two most glamorous sides, Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko have no doubt dealt a big blow to the level of appeal in the week two matches of the Kinapharma Premier League, scheduled for this weekend.

Clubs' desire to clinch the available points at stake in the six matches to be honoured all on Sunday will not wane, but the characteristic enthusiastic following the games enjoyed, coupled with the hopeful expectations that preceded the first week games certainly will not be there. Hearts trek to oil and minerals rich but economically poor and war traumatised Angola in what promises to be a fierce battle for honours against Athletico Aviacao in the CAF Champions League, while Kotoko attempt to surmount the mighty Mount Cameroun in the CAF Cup Winners Cup.

BEREKUM: ARSENAL VS KING FAISAL

Kotoko would have engaged Obuasi Goldfields at the Kumasi stadium in a match many considered as the week's top liner. That aside, Hearts of Oak against Sekondi Hasaacas could easily have filled the topmost encounter billing, but in their absence the focus would be shifted to Berekum, where King Faisal, with their new found confidence buoyed by the impressive thrashing of new entrants Heart of Lions and hoping to consolidate the one week perching on top of the league table would try to frustrate the targets of Arsenals. Arsenals were one nil losers at Obuasi on Sunday where monitored reports indicate they at least deserved a point, judging by their output. A late penalty deflated that hope and left Arsenals in bitter protests while their goalkeeper, Justice Quarcoo was expelled from the game in the dying minutes. Faisal's 4:1 win is already earning them the status of 'dark horses' in the league. They are highly tipped to continue with their winning ways, but trust Arsenals to put impediments in the way of Ralf Zumdick and his boys.

ACCRA: OKWAWU VS OLYMPICS

Lucky Okwawu United, they have had their Hearts desire granted to play against Olympics at the Accra Stadium on Sunday instead of the Saturday date. Both teams recorded significant draws to psyche themselves up for the weekend game. Olympics at home to Power F/C failed to clinch the three points and would seek to make amends against the enterprising Okwawu United who were themselves wayward with goal opportunities at Tema against Stay Cool. It is a difficult game for the two sides who must be feeling 'at home' on Sunday.

PRESTEA: MINE STARS VS STAY COOL

This is a match of equals and is likely to end in a draw. If there is a winner, Mine Stars look likely to be the side to carry the day. The two sides started the season with goalless games last week with Mines Stars escaping defeat at Sunyani against B/A while Stay Cool dropped vital points at home to Okwawu.

KPANDO: LIONS VS B. A. UNITED

The Lions of Kpando must be really wild, after the first week misadventure at the hands of King Faisal in Kumasi. In their own backyard, they will growl and gnaw hard at the brawling B/A United and George Arthur would need to revisit his playing days for tips on taming wounded lions. Jacob Nettey and co are likely to return to premier league action this weekend to give the boost Lions require to play together as a team. Hard tackling captain Fuseini Adams will need to employ his booming shots to advantage if he and his colleagues must return to Sunyani with a point. Hopefully, United can assemble the best of materials for this game if conciliatory moves underway are successful.

SUNYANI: BOFOAKWA VS RTU

Fighting Bofoakwa Tano have a chance to prove to Sunyani fans that they were no mere pushovers at Sekondi in their 2:3 loss game. Against Real Tamale United who must be feeling the heat in the wake of supporters' misbehaviour against Kumasi Asante Kotoko and the subsequent referral of the matter to the GFA's Disciplinary Committee, RTU would at best be playing with their tails firmly buried between their thighs. It looks like Bofo would prevail on Sunday and more so at their favourite home grounds.

TEMA: POWER VS LIBERTY

Reprieved Power F/C would need to step up their staying voltages to scoop a point from the impressive yet spiritless Liberty Professionals. On Saturday last week, Liberty had all the chance to score more than the one goal it managed against Hearts of Oak but found the going in the face of the mighty oak spirit just too difficult. Even when Hearts looked like a beaten side in injury time, Liberty's resolve crumbled. But the 'Scientific Lads' have enough courage of their own against sides that are not particularly of the traditional types and look like accounting for Power. The Electricity lads are also capable of some shockers.