Ghana Premier League relegation battle: Race for survival as Hearts of Oak battle Great Olympics in the Ga Derby
Accra Hearts of Oak play host to city rivals Accra Great Olympics on Sunday evening knowing that only one of their biggest wins in their history will give them any chance of Ghana Premier League survival.
The two rivals will clash in a make-or-break affair with potential consequences for any of the teams that lose on Sunday evening at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Perhaps, it’s the biggest match for both teams as they both hope to win and give themselves a realistic chance of avoiding the drop from the country’s top-tier league.
Only a point separates the two teams with Hearts lying 13th with 41 points while Olympics are just above the relegation zone with 40 points.
Orlando Wellington will have taken positives from his side’s dominant showing against Dreams FC on Wednesday June 5, 2024, but they ultimately lacked the cutting edge in the final third to draw goalless at the Accra Stadium, which is a concern that needs addressing heading into the must-win game against the Phobians.
The Accra Sports Stadium will come alive as one of the greatest rivals battle each other for survival in the Ghanaian top-flight on Sunday June 9, 2024.
Heart of Oak are currently 12th on the league table with 41 points after 32 matches played this season, having won 2 and suffered 3 defeats in their last 5 games.
The Phobians are ranked as the second weakest home side in this campaign after recording 7 wins, 5 draws and 4 defeats in 16 appearances, scoring 19 and conceding 11 with 26 points accumulated.
Coach Aboubakar Ouattara’s side head into this fixture with a victory in their last home league game against Nations FC at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Great Olympics are 16th on the table at the relegation zone with 39 accumulated points after 31 matches with one outstanding game to be played in matchday27 against Dreams FC.
They’ve recorded 2 wins and suffered 3 defeats in their last 5 league games. The Dade Boys have managed to secure 12 points away from home this season, scoring 7 and conceding 18 goals.
The Wonder Club are ranked as the 8th best away performers in the league this campaign.
They recorded a victory in their last away league game against Asante Kotoko at Abrankese which ended 0-1.
Heart of Oak have played Great Olympics three times at home in the league since 2020/21 season with Heart of Oak losing two and drawing one.
In the 2020/21 season, Heart of Oak lost 0-2 to Great Olympics, suffered 0-1 defeat in the 2021/22 season before recording a 1-1 draw in the 2022/23 season.
Hearts are yet to record their first home win against Great Olympics in the league since 2020.
Youngster Hamza Issah has netted 12 goals this season for Heart of Oak and will hope to extend his tally on Sunday.
Linda Mtange, Glid Otanga, Seidu Suraj, Martin Karikari, David Oppong Afrane, Michael Ampadu, Kassim Cisse, Yaw Amankwah Baafi, Denis Korsah, Thomas Winimi, Salim Adams, Salifu Ibrahim, Issah Kuka and Raphael Amponsah could all be available for the former African champions.
Great Olympics can rely on Emmanuel Antwi, Albert Amoah, Matthew Abayase, Gladson Awako, Samuel Ashie-Quaye, Isaac Mensah, Richard Botchway, Ebenezer Sekyere, Razak Kasim, Christopher Nettey, Raymond Grippman, Mathew Agama, Kekeli Attor, Michael Osei and Abednego Asafo for Sunday’s epic match.
Match details
Accra Hearts of Oak vs Accra Great Olympics
Time: 18:00GMT;
Date: Sunday, 9th June 2024
Venue: Accra Sports Stadium
MATCH OFFICIALS
REFEREE: Robert Musey
A1: Pascal Mawusi
A2: Ato Yawson
4TH: Selorm Yao Bless
MC: Adjiri Barnor
