Can Lions roar against Ashgold

Accra, Feb 12, GNA - High-flying Kpando Heart of Lions will offer Obuasi Ashantigold their second major test in 72 hours when the two sides clash in the 22nd week of the Onetouch Premier League on Wednesday, February 14, at the Kpando Park.

The Miners completed a continental double over Renacimiento of Equatorial Guinea last Sunday and look set to replicate the performance to chalk a similar feat on the Kpando lads.

However in the current Lions side who are yet to lose at home in their last five games, the Miners have been presented with a tall mountain to climb.

Lions, on 35 points, two adrift of their guests, declared their quest of participating in next season's continental championships and are keen on annexing the three points to keep that dream alive. Coach Hans Van der Plyum and his charges will also hope to avenge the painful lone goal defeat suffered at the hands of the 93Miners", one of their away defeats incurred during the first round. The Dutchman will be relying on the potency of returnee striker Sadat Bukari and partner Eric Bekoe to provide the kill for the maximum points.

Whilst Sadat and Bekoe keep the front line alive, the likes of captain Obed Ansah, Abraham Annan, Joseph Jackson, Eric Adjei and Wisdom Agblexo are expected to live up to the billing to maintain the clean sheet during the second round.

His opposite number, David Duncan is confident of breaking the recent home invincibility at the Kpando Park and is counting on his youthful cum experiencef side to achieve that feat.

The onus therefore lies on Alhaji Sannie Mohammed, David Telfer, Anthony Baffoe and Alfred Arthur among others to give the 93Miners" their first away win in the second round.

For fans of both sides, they cannot expect a better Valentine present than the three points, which will boost their standings on the league.

At the Golden City Park, Berekum Arsenal look set to dash the hopes of "Wonder Club" Accra Great Olympics, who have openly declared their intentions of breaking the home invincibility of their hosts. Continental debutants, Tema Youth will trek to Swedru as guests of Gamba All Blacks just as the Gomoa Fetteh Feyenoord trip to the Dansoman Carl Reindorf Park as guests of Liberty Professionals.

With their Champions league campaign cut short in Gambia last Sunday, Kumasi Asante Kotoko are poised to sacrifice Tano Bofoakwa at the Robert Mensah Sports Stadium in Cape Coast whilst Kumasi King Faisal and Tema Real Sportive sort things out at the Sunyani Coronation Park. The Ho Sports stadium will host the battle between two relegation threatened clubs, Power FC and Real Tamale United (RTU).

On Thursday, Accra Hearts of Oak will baptize Sekondi Hasaacas at their new adopted home grounds, the Dansoman Carl Reindorf Park to maintain their lead at the summit of the table.