After several wrong turns and internal wrangling, it’s time to put some smiles on the faces of their spectators as they begin their quest to glory against Berekum Chelsea at the Accra Sports Stadium on matchday 1.
Hearts of Oak’s season opener against the 2010 league champions promises to be action backed with the Phobians hoping to put their abysmal performance against their archrivals, Asante Kotoko in the Presidents Cup behind them.
The Rainbow Club lost 2-1 at the Baba Yara Stadium to climax their preparations ahead of the resumption of the league. A performance that left thousands of their fans fuming.
Berekum Chelsea have had a quite ‘pre-season’ but they have been very vibrant with acquisitions to bolster their fold ahead of the season.
They have acquired the services of Black Meteors and Asante Kotoko goalkeeper, Ibrahim Danlad on loan, defender Ahmed Adams returns from Kotoko on a permanent deal, Nureini Cato Iddrisu from Nsoatrema and veteran Kofi Owusu to strengthen their attack. They will also be led by their new French trainer, Landuet Alain Andre.
Richard Atta swapped jersey and colours to join Hearts of Oak; the shot-stopper had a magnificent season with Elmina Sharks before the exposé and he’s ready to take the number one spot.
This will be the 20th meeting in the league between the two sides with Berekum Chelsea having a win better than their host.
In their past 19 meetings, Berekum Chelsea have won 8, lost 7 and draw 4 with a total of 41 goals scored in this fixture. Certainly, a fixture that produces lots of drama and goals for fans.
Hearts of Oak are yet to lose at home against their guest, 6 wins with 3 draws in their 9 meetings, scoring a total of 14 and conceding 5 with 5 clean sheets.
It's going to be a very tough test for the Phobians as Chelsea are not short of confidence when facing the traditional big sides. The only cause of concern is the for the visitors is their away form in the league. They are a very bad travelling side and rarely pick a point on the road but they hope with their French trainer and players they’ll be able to change that gloom