Hearts of Oak vs Nations FC: 18:00GMT, Accra, StarTimes Adepa Channel 247
Friday's solitary Ghana Premier League fixture comes in the shape of a tantalising showdown, as Hearts of Oak welcome Nations FC to the capital in a match they desperately need to win to cushion their survival prospect.
The two teams will scrap it out at the Accra Sports Stadium with a a lot at stake, in particular for the home side.
With the battle to avoid relegation set to go down to the wire, the Phobians will be eager to avoid dramatic scenarios as they welcome fourth-placed Nations FC to the Ghanaian capital, Accra on Friday May 31, 2024.
It's been a difficult campaign for the giants as they have struggled for consistency in the 2023-24 Premier League campaign.
Shuffling coaching staff in the course of the season has not helped to stem the tide as Hearts' struggles have continued as they lie at a precarious 15th position on the league table.
Hearts lie just two points above the relegation zone and will need to beat Nations FC to ease the anxiety among their teeming fans.
Nations FC appeared to have bottled the chance to challenge for the Premier League title after slipping to fourth on the table.
The Abrankese side have amassed 48 points, seven adrift of leaders FC Samartex and are potentially out of the race for the Premier League title.
After 31 matches in this campaign Hearts of Oak are 15th on the league table with 38 accumulated points, having won 1 and suffered 4 defeats in their last 5 outings.
The Phobians have managed to secure 23 points at home so far, scoring 17 and conceding 11 goals. Coach Aboubakar Ouattara’s side are the second weakest home performers this season.
The former champions head into this fixture with a defeat in their last two home games against Accra Lions and Aduana Stars as both games ended in a 0-1 defeat at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Nations FC have won 1, drawn 1 and suffered 3 defeats in their last 5 games. The newly promoted side are currently occupying the 4th position on the league table after 31 matches with 48 accumulated points.
Kassim Mingle Ocansey’s side have managed to record 12 points away from home this season, scoring 4 and conceding 15 goals.
Nations FC are ranked among the top 10 best away performing clubs in this campaign. They are pointless in their last four consecutive away league games and failed to score in each of them prior to the fixture.
Hearts of Oak are yet to host Nations FC at home in the league after the Abrankese based qualified to the Premiership in the 2023/24 season.
Youngster Hamza Issah has banged in 12 goals this season for Heart of Oak and will hope to extend his tally. Other key players who are fit and ready for the game on Friday include, Linda Mtange, Glid Otanga, Kofi Agbesimah, David Oppong Afrane, Michael Ampadu, Kassim Cisse, Yaw Amankwah Baafi, Denis Korsah, Thomas Winimi, Salim Adams, Salifu Ibrahim, Issah Kuka and Raphael Amponsah.
Nations FC top scorer Asamoah Boateng Afriyie is expected to start the game on Friday with the likes Barimah Baah, Prince Acquah, Emmanuel Boahene, Kwame Boakye, Prince Badu, Sadiq Alhassan, Richard Berko, Michael Awuah, Razak Simpson, Justice Amate, Nuamah Blankson and Nafiu Sulemana all available for the clash.
GFA Communications