Today’s Ghana Premier League match between Berekum Chelsea and Accra Hearts of Oak, which takes place on matchday 29, promises to be explosive at Golden City Park.
The home team is a heavy favorite to win all three points.
Here are four reasons why Berekum Chelsea stands a better chance of winning today:
Samuel Boadu’s revenge factor:
The 38-year-old Samuel Boadu will take on the team that fired him following a dismal 2022–23 campaign. Prior to that, he had won the President’s Cup, the 2020–21 Ghana Premier League, two FA Cups, the Ghana Super Cup, and the Serbian coach Kosta Papic. The supporters had been waiting two years for the return of the “Phobia” spirit, which he literally brought back.
He accepted the position of head coach of Berekum Chelsea, replacing Christopher Enin, after a brief tenure as head coach of the Black Satellites. He has led the team to 11 points out of a possible 24.
Race for the golden boot:
Stephen Amankona and Hearts’ breakout star of the season, Hamza Issah, will be going boot for boot to finish the season as the league’s top scorer.
The former Asante Kotoko forward leads the race for the golden boot with 12 goals, followed closely by the former Auroras goal poacher with 11 goals.
Pressure on Hearts of Oak:
If the Phobians lose their next two games, they will only be two points away from slipping to the relegation places with five games remaining in the season. That would be disastrous for the club.
In the five games leading up to this crucial match, coach Aboubakar Outtara’s team had only secured one victory.
Battle of tactics:
Even though Chelsea have played inconsistently in their last five games, many supporters have been enthused by their style of play and understand what Boadu is attempting to accomplish at his new club.
With 11 goals for the Sunyani-based team, their high-pressing style of play and ability to seize on poor passes makes them a formidable threat to the Rainbow club’s defense.
The struggling Phobians, despite creating a host of chances in their last two matches with Hamza Issah either pairing Kassim Cisse or Salim Adams up front, supported by Linda Mtangue, Salifu Ibrahim, or Martin Karikari,.
Source: Ghana/MaxTV/MaxFM/max.com.gh/Michael Mensah Martey
