Hearts of Oak enter the game as the club in form. The Phobians have lie second on the log with five wins, three draws and a single defeat.
How have they fared so far in the build up to the super clash.

MATCHDAY 1: NEW FACES, DARLING BOY AND A LATE FINISH

Hearts began the season at home to New Edubiase with fans quite unsure of what to expect. The Phobians had an indifferent pre-season and had raised slight confidence with the two wins in their last two games. Fans trooped to the stadium to catch a glimpse of what their Japanese American trainer had in store for them. His Japanese natives also showed great solidarity by trooping to the stadium to support him. The headlines were however made by two new boys; Samudeen Ibrahim and Sam Yeboah. Samudeen Ibrahim pulled all the strings with delectable play and trickery while Sam Yeboah came off the bench to score the only goal late into the game after Hearts had squandered a host of chances. Three points on board for the Phobians and anticipation increased.

MATCHDAY 2: TO TARKWA.THEY WENT.THEY SAW.THEY CONQUERED

After the matchday 1 heroics, the Phobians were brimming with confidence going to a venue where they had never beaten their hosts. Medeama had knocked out the Phobians in two of the last three FA Cup semifinals and the Phobians could only manage a draw in the league last year. Their task was made harder with the absence of star man Samudeen Ibrahim and keeper Soulama Abdoulaye. Samudeen’s replacement Richard Yamoah also got injured halfway into the game. However, it was Yamoah’s replacement, Cosmos Dauda who opened the scoring for the Phobians before Eric Kumi sealed the three points for the Phobians late into the game. If the first game was a fluke, the second game was definitely a statement of intent.

MATCHDAY 3: 100% RECORD LOST BUT STILL UNBEATEN

The Phobians travelled to Cape Coast to face a wounded Dwarfs who had suffered two defeats in a row and their coach threatening to quit over sabotage claims. The Cape Coast side put in a disciplined performance to thwart the threat of the Phobians who were fast developing the reputation of a second half. Cagey, Scrappy and tight are the best description for the game in which both sides did not do just enough to win.

MATCHDAY 4: BACK TO ACCRA AND NORMAL SERVICE RESUMED

Matchday 4 saw Hearts return to Accra to face Bechem United infront of a packed crowd who had not seen the team play since the first matchday. Striker Sam Yeboah opened the scoring in the first half which incidentally was the first time the Phobians had scored in the opening department of a match. Midfield general Mustapha Essuman doubled the scoring in the second half with a deflected strike from the corner before man of the match Isaac Mensah rounded up victory with a third goal to seal a good day at the office for the Phobians. The only blip was a John Nyamekye strike which was the first goal Hearts conceded in the league.

 

MATCHDAY 5: THE MIRACLE OF TEMA AND A NEW KING EMERGES

Arguably, the game of the league so far. Isaac Twum and Gockhel Ahortor raced Inter Allies into the lead after a drab first half. Ahortor’s strike was the second against the Phobians in Tema in successive league matches. The carrying of Herbert Addo signified victory for the Tema side but the drama was only about to begin. Isaac Mensah pulled one back for the Phobians with a toe poked finish before unknown Musah Ibrahim levelled the scoring with a finish from close range beating keeper Kwame Baah at the near post. When all seemed done and dusted, Musah Ibrahim scored the match winner after a solo mazy run. Hearts owned Tema, Hearts ruled town and the true never say die spirit was revived.

MATCHDAY 6: PHOBIANS CRACK IN TOP OF THE TABLE CLASH

Matchday 6 was perfectly set up for a top of the table clash between the Phobians and leaders WA ALL Stars. Both clubs were unbeaten heading in the game and a place at the summit of the league was at state. The 2 week international break did not destroy momentum and fans of the club were eager to see coach Kenichi Yatsuhashi return to the dugout after missing the previous week due to sickness. His condition may have affected his players who put in a pale performance. The Phobians were run rugged by the pace and trickery of the guests who beat them by 3 goals to one. The only positive for the Phobians was another goal for the Tema hero, Musah Ibrahim.

MATCHDAY 7: NO WIN BUT CREDITABLE POINT IN TECHIMAN

Hearts travelled to Techiman in wobbly form after their defeat against Wa All Stars. Techiman had won all three games at Techiman without conceding. However, the Phobians put up a defensive masterclass with keeper Soulama Abdoulaye the stand out performer. When all seemed doom and gloom, the Phobians picked a point at the lion’s den.

MATCHDAY 8 : TROUBLE STARTS BREWING

The Phobians were knocked out of the FA Cup by second tier side Samatex. This was followed by a facebook post by Kenichi Yatsuhashi disclosing details of his contract. It brought agitations among the rank and file of the club. They faced WAFA bereft on confidence and an insipid display in the first half characterized the woes of the club. They were outplayed by the academy side and deservedly took the lead through Charles Boateng. In the second half, a combination of revival from the Phobians and a lack of concentration from WAFA gave Hearts a stronghold in the game and they duly levelled the tie with a Cosmos Dauda. Despite mounting incessant pressure in the late stages, the Phobians failed to find the winner. More home points dropped and three league games without a win.

MATCHDAY 9: OFF TO OBUASI WITH UNCERTAINITY

More trouble followed after the WAFA game with Kenichi in the news once again. The coach reportedly walked out off a meeting with management and his job was on the line heading in their game against Ashntigold. However, their performance against the league champions was nothing short of superb. Solid defensive foundation with a good outlet in Eric Kumi and Cosmos Dauda ensured the Phobians looked a threat going forward. A brace from Dauda in the second half fetched all three points for the Phobians despite a late revival from the Miners. The result meant the Phobians had broken a 9 year wait for a win in Obuasi.

Now, the Phobians face Kotoko. Will they continue with their performance from Obuasi?

Read : Hearts have been bolstered by the return of sextet

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