Midweek Premier League ties Sportive can worry Hearts

FTER THEIR successful friendly campaigns last week in Tema, Accra Hearts of Oak return to the Harbour City, to face Real Sportive as the Onetouch Premier League hits week five.

“It will be a closely contested battle taking into account the youthful exuberance of our opponents, but victory for us is not impossible in this tie,” was how the Bulgarian Trainer described the game after their 3-0 win over Young Hasaacas six days ago in Tema.

The banging in of four goals in two friendlies coupled with the likely inclusion of Charles Taylor, Ishmael Addo and Bernard Dong Bortey makes the Phobians a fearsome side.

Yet, their opponents are blessed with a midfield powerhouse, Hamza Abubakar, who on a good day, dictates the game to suit his side. His high sense of dexterity and agility captured the attention of match officials to earn him the Best Player Award against Liberty in Dansoman.

Until Hearts' 1-0 win over Sportive in Tema last season in the era of Charles Vardis, goalkeeper Laud Quartey, Mark Adu Amofah and others, they were a constant threat to the Phobians.

With just a point separating the two sides, nothing short of fireworks is expected to be the hallmark in tomorrow's game.

Dethroned league leaders, Ashgold will stay home to play Liberty at the Len Clay Stadium, with Berekum Arsenal traveling to Sunyani to play King Faisal.

In other games, struggling Kpando Heart of Lions will host Gamba All Blacks in Kpando, while fifth-placed Great Olympics welcome poor away performers, Bofoakwa to the Ho Park.

Current league leaders, Kumasi Asante Kotoko will play as guests of youthful Feyenoord Academy at Swedru, with badly bruised Hasaacas, welcoming RTU to the Gyandu Park in a game likely to favour the homeside.

On Thursday, eighth-placed Tema Youth will host Power FC, who are placed 12th on the standings in a derby at the Tema Park.