ADUANA FC’s title-winning aspirations will be on the line tomorrow when they host Asante Kotoko in a Ghana Premier League Match day 27 game at the Nana Agyemang Badu Park in Dormaa.

Currently lying fifth on the log, seven points adrift of leaders Bibiani Gold Stars, Aduana believes the title is within their reach and they will give it their best shot, beginning with tomorrow’s game.

In their last five fixtures at Dormaa, Aduana FC has recorded a single win, drawing twice and losing the rest, a trend coach Aristică Cioabă is hoping to end tomorrow.

Both teams have met twice this season; the first-round tie ended 1-1, with Aduana Stars knocking out Kotoko, the defending champions of the MTN FA Cup, on penalties in their round of 16, to set the tone for an epic encounter tomorrow.

Kotoko go into this game spurred by the 3-0 victory over Nations FC last week, the first after six attempts in the Garden City derby, while Aduana FC fell 2-1 to Bechem United in the Bono derby last week.

Accra Hearts of Oak will make a return to the Accra Sports Stadium to face returnees Swedru All Blacks in a cagey encounter.

Phobian fans are up in arms with their team following recent home performances.

Hearts of Oak’s home record this season at the Accra Sports Stadium stands at five matches, of which they won one, drew three and lost one.

In all, the Phobians have drawn 12 games this season, seven at home with four home victories; a pattern that has left their faithful very livid.

The Phobians, who lie fourth on the log with 42 points, six behind leaders Bibiani Gold Stars, harbour a title-winning dream, and victory tomorrow will further make that dream clear.

Coach Kassim Ocansey Mingle of Swedru All Blacks believes he has what it takes to ‘kill’ that dream of the Phobians and is looking to unleash striker Rudolf Mensah on the Phobians to continue from where he left off last week against Hohoe United.

After overtaking over Medeama SC to go top of the GPL table, Gold Stars will trek to the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in Tamale to play Karela United tomorrow.

Karela United, who were on a five-game unbeaten run before being blown away in Berekum last week by Berekum Chelsea, are hoping to return to winning ways as they seek a top four finish.

Gold Stars coach Fritz Schmid, winner of the NASCO coach of the month for February, will be banking his hope on current leading goal king Samuel Atta Kumi to help his side solidify their stay at the top with yet another victory or a point on the road.

Coach Nurudeen Amadu of Karela United believes his side would react positively after their first defeat in the last six games last week by picking up the three points available.

After applying the brakes on former league leaders Medeama SC last week, Dreams FC will turn their attention to the Hohoe Stadium when they play as guests of Hohoe United, who are battling relegation.

The league’s second-top scorer with 10 goals, Augustine Okrah, will lead Bechem United to the Nsenkyire Sports Arena to test their strength against Samartex FC.

At the Wenchi Sports Complex, relegation-threatened Young Apostles will look to jump out of the zone with a win when they take on visiting Heart of Lions.

Berekum Chelsea will chase a second straight victory when they visit Nations FC at the Kwame Kyei Sports Complex in Abrankese.

The Nii Adjei Kraku Sports Complex in Tema New Town will today host the clash between eighth-placed Vision FC and visiting 12th-placed side Basake Holy Stars.

By Raymond Ackumey

Captain Jordan Ayew has emphasised the significance of the two international friendlies against Austria and Germany.

The Black Stars will face Austria in Vienna on Friday before traveling to Stuttgart to play Germany on Monday. As preparations intensify in Vienna, Ayew stressed the team’s determination to deliver strong performances, signalling their commitment to making a statement on the global stage.

On late withdrawals of players

We want to play for our country; we want to do well from our country. So, every game is important. Even though we know these two games are important, even previously the other games were important as well. Just that sometimes it is what it is, you know. Coming to these two games, listen, tomorrow is going to be a tough game, Monday will be a tough game as well. So, we will do our best.

On preparation so far

I think we are preparing well tactically, technically, physically. We really look good. So, let’s see what happens tomorrow. I don’t want to talk too much because obviously we’ve had a couple of days of training and what I’ve seen is positive. So, we’re ready for tomorrow and we’ll see if we can get a positive result because we want to get a positive result. Monday will be a tough game.

On putting in a good performance

We are going to try to put in our best performance. Obviously, I think we are not here for holidays. We are here to work hard, to perform and to get good results. You know, it will not be easy, but it will also be the best chance to be successful tomorrow. It’s going to be a tough game, a very tough game, because it’s a high-performance team.

On not coming to Austria for fun

Going into the World Cup, I think it’s not for me alone but it’s a positive thing for us. As players, we are really looking forward to it, so let’s see how it goes. We have the ambition to come and get good results tomorrow. We are not coming here just for holidays or just to work. We are here to work hard, to perform and to get good results.

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