<<Print>>Hearts of Oak would on Saturday seek to redeem their image as they pitch their strength against defending champions, Asante Kotoko, in a crucial First Capital Premier League fixture at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Kumasi.
The Phobians have not found the going all that rosy, occupying the 13th position on the log in the five matches played so far, and as they come up against their archrivals, a lot is expected of them to turn the tables around.
The visitors would be the first to admit that there is a lot to play for in this encounter as a win for them could boost the morale and confidence of the players.
For some time now, embattled Coach, Herbert Addo has come under a barrage of criticisms to salvage the image of the club as some fans question his technical ability and the tactics employed on the field of play.
The veteran Coach, seem to have found solace in adopting an all-attacking play with in-form Gilbert Fiamenyo leading the onslaught.
Some fans and football connoisseurs have employed the Coach to resort to a defensive-inclined play to reduce the rapidity with which the team was conceding goals.
In Ivorian import, Robin Gnagne, Owusu Bempah, amongst others, Hearts is believed to have a crop of young and enthusiastic defenders who can hold their own against any opposition on any day.
Coach Addo and the Phobians know very well the implications of the outcome of Ghana’s version of the “El Classico”, as any result could determine their destiny in the league.
The same goes for Kotoko, who are poised to appease their teeming supporters with a favourable result against their archrivals.
Coach Mas-Ud “Didi” Dramani, in an interview with the GNA Sports, said his team was well-focused for the match, urging the supporters to throng the Stadium in their numbers.
He indicated that the Porcupine Warriors would also have their confidence enhanced with a win over the Phobians, particularly as they venture into the CAF Champions League.
Kotoko would be looking to their dare-devil of a striker, Ahmed Simba Toure, to bang in the goals, however, as to whether the Ivorian import would succeed or not depends on the supplies he gets from the likes of Jordan Opoku, Frank Sarfo Gyamfi and Obed Owusu.
Whatever be the case, football analysts had predicted a tight game with most of the action been concentrated in the midfield.