Hearts of Oak will look to strengthen their challenge for the Ghana Premier League title when they visit Debibi United at Debibi Presby Park on Sunday.
The Phobians are second in the table with 17 points from eight matches and have made an impressive start under Serbian coach Nebojsa Kapor. They will be seeking another victory to maintain the pressure on league leaders Medeama SC.
Debibi United, meanwhile, are aiming to respond after losing 3-0 away to Bechem United last weekend. The Victory Boys have managed two wins and one draw alongside five defeats in their opening eight fixtures, leaving them 16th with seven points.
The Matchweek 9 fixture presents the teams with markedly different objectives. Isaac Nii Armah’s Debibi United need points to climb away from the bottom of the table, while Hearts of Oak are focused on remaining among the leading contenders for the championship.
Players to watch
Richard Owusu and Wisdom Zakari are expected to carry much of the attacking threat for the home side as they attempt to break through the Hearts of Oak defence.
The visitors will look to John Antwi, Kader Mahmoud and Henry Kweku Boateng to provide creativity and a goal threat. Hearts of Oak’s consistency this season has given them confidence ahead of the trip to Tain, although Debibi United will have the benefit of playing in front of their home supporters.
Team news and possible line-ups
Neither team has any major injury or suspension concerns before Sunday’s match, with both expected to have their key players available for selection.
Debibi United could start with Jayson Nettey in goal, behind Maxwell Agyemang, Paul Kwame, Michael Owusu, Thomas Quenin and Bariu Sule. Felix Koduah, Bernard Kofi and Yakubu Malik may form the midfield, with Richard Owusu supporting Wisdom Zakari in attack.
Hearts of Oak’s possible starting XI includes Benjamin Asare in goal; Manuel Osei Djan, Ransford Mensah, Ali Mohammed and Kelvin Osei Asibey in defence; and Mohammed Hussein, Abdul Karim and Yaw Amankwa Baafi in midfield. Kader Mahmoud, John Antwi and Henry Kweku Boateng are expected to lead the attack.
Prediction
Hearts of Oak have produced the stronger results so far and are expected to claim all three points, despite Debibi United’s home advantage.
The hosts could take the lead through Richard Owusu, but Henry Kweku Boateng is tipped to bring Hearts of Oak level before John Antwi scores the decisive goal in the second half.
Prediction: Debibi United 1-2 Hearts of Oak
Kick-off is at 3:00pm on Sunday, November 1, 2026.
The match will be played at Debibi Presby Park in Tain District, Bono Region.
