Sports
Hearts aim to worsen Kotoko’s plight
Psychologically, Kumasi Asante Kotoko may not be in a perfect mood to play their archrivals Accra Hearts of Oak in the Ghana Premier League.
But, unfortunately, the Phobians would be their guests tomorrow at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in a tough Matchday 22 clash.
Kotoko has endured some torrid moments lately, the latest of which the Head Coach Karim Zito was sacked.
That followed a string of poor results culminating in the wide gap between them and league leaders Medeama and a defeat to Aduana FC to exit the FA Cup championship.
They must, however, find a way to psyche themselves up for their biggest game in local football as Hearts come to town with high hopes of avenging recent defeat suffered in the hands of the Porcupine Warriors.
Interestingly, both sides have not been at their best this season; all struggling to keep pace with the likes of Medeama, Goldstars and others.
Although the Baba Yara Stadium is Kotoko’s fortress, Hearts have found joy in matches there and would hope that piece of history would be kind to them again.
In other venues, defending champions, Bibiani Gold Stars would have all to play for when they welcome Basake Holy Stars at the Bibiani Dun’s Park tomorrow.
At the Berekum Golden City Park, relegation-threatened Berekum Chelsea will host Kpando Hearts of Lions in a game expected to be full of thrills.
The Berekum lads have found the going extremely tough and have turned their home ground to their main source for points, having performed poorly on the road.
Heart of Lions would offer a stiff opposition capable of worsening the situation of the hosts as they aim for a decent finish.
Hohoe United started their maiden season impressively but find themselves struggling for survival in just the second round.
At their Hohoe base, they can breathe some life into their campaign if they are able to defeat stubborn Nations FC today.
Elsewhere, Bechem United will face Young Apostles at the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park in Bechem; Dreams FC will welcome Karela United to the Tuba Astro Turf in a game of equals while Swedru All Blacks host Samartex FC at the Swedru Stadium.
BY RAYMOND ACKUMEY
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Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew says Ghana will leave nothing on the pitch when they face England in today’s World Cup Group L decider at Gillette Stadium.
With both teams on 3 points, Ayew said his job is to ease pressure on the younger players and hold everyone accountable, himself included.
“I’m doing my best to guide the boys, make them comfortable, take pressure off them, and help us perform,” Ayew told reporters. “I have to perform too. They have to perform too. It’s teamwork. We’re helping each other.”
Ghana come into the Foxborough clash after a 1-0 win over Panama in Toronto. England beat Croatia 4-2 in their opener.
The captain’s message was simple, “We’re going to give our 100% and we’re going to fight. I’ll make sure when we come off that pitch, we have no regrets.”
The winner takes control of Group L. Kickoff is 4:00 PM ET at Gillette Stadium.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Black Stars forward Brandon Thomas-Asante insists Ghana will carry no pressure into Tuesday’s World Cup showdown with England at Boston Stadium, saying the team’s self-belief and sense of purpose outweigh outside expectations.
Brandon provided a 95th minute assist that helped Ghana beat Panama 1-0 in Toronto.
The win left both Ghana and England level on three points in Group L following the Three Lions 4-2 over Croatia in their opening match.
Speaking to ghanafa.org Thomas-Asante is adamant that external doubt only fuels the squad.
“Everything to the best ability, it’s very much a case of we back ourselves, we believe in ourselves. Whether people on the outside doubt us, believe us, or anything that’s not what we think about. We think about why we’re here. We’re on a mission,” Thomas-Asante said.
The Coventry City forward said that mission removes any weight of expectation. “That means there’s no pressure. It’s even less pressure for us,” he explained.
“We know our fans believe, but we know that some people might want to overlook us. We use that to our advantage preparing properly and believing that we can go and do something,” He added.
England and Ghana both sit on three points heading into the Foxborough clash, with the winner set to take control of Group L. Kickoff at Boston Stadium on Tuesday.
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