Sportive pose a test for Hearts

Accra, March 19, GNA - League leaders, Hearts of Oak face an uphill task in their championship ambitions when they play host to Tema Real Sportive in the 26th week clash of the Onetouch Premier League when the league resumes on Wednesday.

The match is scheduled for the Dansoman Carl Reindorf Park in Accra.

Sportive have always emerged tough customers for the Phobians in all their meetings since joining the elite division three seasons ago and Wednesday's encounter is not expected to be different from the traditional ones.

On current form, Sportive has not been faring badly since Serbian Moncilo Medic took charge some months ago with their attack bolstered by the inclusion of former Asante Kotoko striker, Frank Osei in their set up.

The Tema lads are bent on causing problems for a Hearts team, depleted by the absence of such players as Moses Andoh, Francis Bossman and Amankwah Mireku through injury.

Hearts have not been consistent in their recent outings and will need to produce a 24-karat gold performance to set the tone for their 20th league title as the same number of their archrivals Asante Kotoko.

Bulgarian trainer Mitko Kostadinov Dobrev however believes he has equally good replacements, who can perfectly fit into the vacuum created by the absence of his key players for the issuance of victory. At the Kaladan Park, Real Tamale United (RTU) are favourites to grab the three maximum points as they clash with Sekondi Hasaacas, while Bofoakwa Tano and Great Olympics sort things out at the Coronation Park in Sunyani.

Kpando Heart of Lions trek to Swedru as guests of Gamba All Blacks while Power FC seeks for redemption of their fortunes against Tema Youth at the Ho Sports Stadium.

On Thursday, Liberty will host Ashantigold at the Carl Reindorf Park while Asante Kotoko is tipped to worsen the woes of Fetteh Feyenoord at the Sunyani Coronation Park.