Hearts Face Another Scare

League leaders, Accra Hearts of Oak, face a real threat tomorrow in bogey side, Real Sportive, at their newly-adopted Dansoman Carl Reindolf Park a few weeks after falling to another Tema-based club, Tema Youth, at the same venues.

Real Sportive have been a constant pain in the neck of the Phobians, the venue notwithstanding. And if their first round goalless drawn game is anything to go by, then coach Mitko Dobrez and his men should brace for a stiff opposition from their stubborn opponents who feature their former goalkeeper, James Nanor, and ex-Kumasi Asante Kotoko striker, Frank Osei, on top of the attack.

While Hearts seek to consolidate their lead, fellow title hopefuls, Kotoko, will go all out for victory against struggling Feyenoord Academy at the same time in Sunyani to maintain their chase for the ultimate.

Tomorrow's game affords Kotoko a fine opportunity to avenge a painful 1-0 first round defeat which led to some subsequent setbacks.

The two games will be preceded by six equally crucial duels this afternoon, with the Liberty Professionals game against Ashantigold at Dansoman being the main attraction.

Following their Champions League exit, fourth-placed Ashantigold have no choice but to make the most out of their five remaining matches in order to finish among the best four and book an African ticket for 2008.

At Swedru, Gamba All Blacks have a huge task of turning the tables against a tough Heart of Lions side which thrashed them 3-0 at their Kpando fortress in the first round, while Arsenal, who are invincible at home, look set to pay King Faisal back in their own coin.

At Ho, relegation-threatened Power FC have no alternative but to beat visiting Tema Youth, while Bofoakwa, who shocked Olympics with a 3-1 win at Ho in the first round, will be in for a match of their lives this time around.

At Tamale, RTU need to win at all cost against Hasaacas in their bid to escape demotion.

Preview by Samuel Ebo Kwaitoo