GPL Matchday 9 Preview: Hearts Of Oak Renew Fierce Rivalry With Asante Kotoko
The stage is set once again for Ghana’s biggest football rivalry as Hearts of Oak face Asante Kotoko. The two powerhouses will collide at the Accra Sports Stadium with their unbeaten records on the line, and as always, pride and bragging rights at stake. It’s a fixture that needs no extra motivation as the Phobians are unbeaten in eight matches and eager to protect that streak, while Kotoko come in confident after winning three of their last four meetings with Hearts. Beyond the Super Clash, there are eight other fixtures spread across the country as Matchday 9 promises drama, goals, and defining moments in the Ghana Premier League.
Nations FC vs Hohoe United (Friday)
Nations FC will aim to rediscover their spark when they welcome newly promoted Hohoe United to the Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex on Friday. The Abrankese-based side endured a frustrating October, managing only one win in five league games and drawing goalless away at Bechem United in their most recent outing. Hohoe United, meanwhile, have shown resilience despite their inconsistency. They sit just above their hosts with the same number of points and are winless in their last three games, including a hard-fought 1–1 draw with Medeama. Both teams will see this as a chance to climb into the top half of the table and restore belief among their fans.
Vision FC vs Eleven Wonders (Saturday)
Vision FC return to the Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex desperate to halt their recent slide after two straight defeats. The hosts have shown flashes of quality this season, but consistency has been their biggest challenge. For Eleven Wonders, it’s been a tough return to top-flight football as they remain winless after eight games and sit 17th with only two points. Their defensive frailties have cost them dearly, with 12 goals conceded, the highest in the league, while their four goals scored highlight a lack of cutting edge.
Aduana FC vs Medeama (Saturday)
The Nana Agyemang Badu I Park will be the focus of attention on Saturday as Aduana FC host Medeama in a clash between two title contenders. League leaders Aduana are targeting another home win to strengthen their grip at the top of the table, but Medeama, just one point behind, will have other ideas. Aduana, on the other hand, have made their home ground a fortress in recent seasons, winning three of their last five league meetings with Medeama in Dormaa. With both teams known for their attacking intent, this could easily turn into one of the most entertaining fixtures of the round.
Young Apostles vs Bechem United (Sunday)
Sunday’s clash at the Wenchi Sports Complex pits two teams searching for consistency as Young Apostles welcome Bechem United. Bechem’s season has been far from smooth, picking up only one win in their last five matches, but the players remain upbeat and determined to turn things around. Goalkeeper Emmanuel Anning has urged his teammates to show greater concentration and belief after recent missed chances cost them valuable points. Young Apostles, on their part, are coming off a defeat to Gold Stars and will be eager to bounce back at home.
Basake Holy Stars vs Bibiani GoldStars (Sunday)
Bibiani GoldStars are flying high after rediscovering their form, unbeaten in their last four matches and currently sitting third on the league table with 16 points. Their recent consistency has made them one of the most in-form sides in the Ghana Premier League. Meanwhile, it’s been a tough campaign for Basake Holy Stars, who are still searching for their first win after seven games without a victory. With just two points so far, the newly promoted side will be desperate to turn things around in front of their home fans.
Karela United vs Dreams FC (Sunday)
Dreams FC will travel to Tamale full of confidence after ending FC Samartex’s unbeaten run with an impressive 2-0 win last weekend. However, they’ll have to manage without head coach Winfred Dormon, who has taken a short leave to participate in the FIFA Elite Youth Coaching Course at the GFA Technical Centre in Prampram. In his absence, assistant coach Fiifi Parker Hanson will lead the team, supported by Saeed Adnan and Abass Grant. Karela United, on the other hand, will be looking to bounce back after their 4-2 defeat to Asante Kotoko.
Samartex vs Swedru All Blacks (Sunday)
FC Samartex will be eager to bounce back after suffering their first defeat of the season, a narrow 1-0 loss to Dreams FC. The Timber Giants currently sit sixth on the table with 13 points, and victory on Sunday could see them close the gap on leaders Aduana FC to just two points. Their visitors, Swedru All Blacks, are showing signs of resilience in their first top-flight campaign, having held Heart of Lions to a 1-1 draw last weekend. However, they’ll need to be at their best to contain a Samartex side that has been dominant at home this season.
Heart of Lions vs Berekum Chelsea (Sunday)
Heart of Lions have cooled off slightly after a bright start to the campaign that saw them claim nine points from their first three games. They now sit fifth on the table with 15 points but have drawn their last two fixtures, including a 1-1 stalemate against Swedru All Blacks. Sunday’s home tie against struggling Berekum Chelsea is therefore a must-win if they’re to keep pace with the league’s top contenders. Chelsea, however, will take confidence into this match after a 1-0 win over Vision FC and will be aiming to build on that momentum in Kpando.
Hearts of Oak vs Asante Kotoko (Sunday)
The Accra Sports Stadium will be the heartbeat of Ghanaian football this Sunday as Hearts of Oak renew their fierce rivalry with Asante Kotoko in the Ghana Premier League. The Phobians are unbeaten in eight matches this season and are determined to stretch that impressive run. Kotoko, on the other hand, are also unbeaten and have won three of their last four meetings with Hearts, a record the Phobians are desperate to rewrite. Since 2020, the two sides have clashed five times at the Accra Sports Stadium in league action, with Hearts winning twice, drawing twice, and losing once.
