Hearts of Oak to begin title defence against Legon Cities

The Phobians won it all last season. After beating their bitterest rivals Kotoko to end their league drought, Hearts clinched the MTN FA Cup.

They ended the campaign with three trophies as the Super Cup was awarded to them for winning the double.

Hearts of Oak’s success was unexpected. They had been written off until Samuel Boadu accepted the job. He transformed an average team into the best on the local scene, and the feeling is that he would continue his good works.

Hearts are trying to excel in Africa, with a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage on the cards, but certainly, the main objective is to win the league again.

They had their ego badly bruised last weekend in Morocco as they were humiliated 6-1 by Wydad Casablanca. They had to issue an apology and promised to do better. Fans would be eager to witness their reaction against Legon Cities.

The Royals are lucky to be counted among the 18 teams this season. They survived on the final day of last season. Their marquee signing Asamoah Gyan was woeful and it is reported that they have severed ties with him.

It’s a squad with plenty of new faces and led by Maxwell Konadu, who recently got back to the limelight after he was re-appointed as Black Stars assistant coach.

They want to rewrite the wrongs of last season. The aim is to finish in the top half but to be taken seriously, they must try and stop the champions.

Hearts are heavy favourites, judging by activities during pre-season. They were involved in competitive games because their participation in CAF competitions got underway weeks ago.

Also, Hearts won four points against Legon Cities last season, scoring three goals while conceding two.

Boadu’s side should be able to win this, but it’s important they don’t underestimate their opponents judging from the fact that their humiliation in Morroco would give the belief to other clubs that they can also beat the Phobians.

Source: Evans Appiah | Follow us on Twitter @activetvgh

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