Hearts, Liberty square off in Accra derby

Accra, Nov. 23, GNA – Hearts of Oak's new coach, David Duncan, will have to contend with Liberty Professionals in his journey to recovery when the two sides lock horns on Sunday, in a week eight clash at the Accra Sports Stadium.   Duncan passed his mock test last weekend after managing a draw against bitterest rivals, Asante Kotoko and faces his real test against city rivals, Liberty Professionals, in what will be his second game under the eagle eyes of the Phobians.   Liberty, currently riding on a crest wave on the wings of in-form Kennedy Ashia have yet to taste defeat in their previous five games and serve the right tonic to check the firmness of the new Hearts of Oak guided by Duncan.   The Dansoman lads have the better record in recent matches between the two sides including a double last season and exude confidence in their quest to maintain their encouraging status which, coach George Lamptey has openly declared maximum commitment to.   After their victory over Aduana Stars, which Lamptey tagged as their renaissance, the “Scientific Soccer Lads” have been unstoppable at both home and outside, raking in 11-points of the possible 15.   Against Kotoko, Duncan introduced fresh limbs such as Robin Gnagne, Ali Alhassan and amongst others and it is widely expected that he would carved a blend of his team for the Liberty duel.   Still in the capital, Tema Youth will square Asante Kotoko at the Port City of Tema in a battle which could go either way. The hosts, which boasts youthful players such as Moses Odjer, Francis Narh, Derrick Appiah and Kofi Mensah have yet to lose a game at home and the Porcupine Warriors must sharpen their dull attack to twist the result their way.   Last season, the two sides settled for a stalemate at the same venue and for Kotoko, the maximum points will serve the perfect catalyst in their quest to occupy the apex of the standings before the end of the first round.   Another encounter expected to be full of thrills will be that at the Robert Mensah Stadium, where Ebusua Dwarfs will play host to leaders Berekum Chelsea. The encounter, the first for the homers in front of their fans after an eight-match home ban means a lot to Dwarfs who have set sights on a blissful homecoming.   At the Golden City Park, Berekum Arsenals will seek for their first win of the season against AshantiGold whilst Edubiase are tipped to send Real Tamale United back to their base empty when they face-off at the Bekwai Park.   Dethroned leaders, Medeama welcomes debutants Amidaus Profesionals to the T&A Park in Tarkwa whilst King Faisal and Wa All Stars wrestle each other at the Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi.   The action begins on Saturday with Aduana Stars and Heart of Lions facing off at the Dormaa Park.       GNA... Read Full Story