betPawa Premier League Match-Day 22 Preview: Hearts of Oak host bottom-Placed Kotoku Royals in Accra

Accra Hearts of Oak will host bottom placed Kotoku Royals at the Accra Sports Stadium on Matchday 22 of the betPawa Premier League on Sunday.

The former champions who left it late to snatch a point from the jaws of defeat in Bibiani will aim for the double over Kotoku Royals following a 1-0 win at the Cape Coast Stadium in the first round of the season.

A first half strike from Daniel Afriyie Barnieh was enough to give the Phobians the three points.

Kotoku Royals have improved in the second round of the season and Sunday’s 3-1 win over Bechem United at the Theatre of Dreams goes to confirm that fact. The Akyem Oda side have won more points in 2023 compared to their points build up in the entire first round. They recorded a 3-2 win against Bibiani Gold Stars before hitting Dreams FC 3-0 at Dawu. Kotoku Royals have scored 19 goals and conceded 34 goals in the season.

Hearts of Oak sit in 4th place with 32 points – won two, lost two and drawn one in their last five matches.

Assistant Coach David Ocloo who took over from Slavko Matic in an acting capacity has yet to lose a match since he was put in temporarily charge of the team, following one win and one draw in games against Asante Kotoko and Bibiani Gold Stars.

The likes of Amankwah Baafi, Konadu Yiadom, Caleb Amankwah and Linda Mtange are all available for selection.

Kotoku Royals would expect top marksman Andy Kumi Francis to produce the goals against the Phobians. The former Asante Kotoko forward has scored 6 goals in 8 games for the club since he joined in January. Also in their team is Collins Kofi Kudjoe – a striker who has netted 3 goals in four matches for the club. Paul Abanga and shot stopper Frank Boateng are all available for the game.

The game will be broadcast live on StarTimes Adepa channel 247.