Hearts of Oak will look to strengthen their challenge at the top of the Ghana Premier League when they visit newly promoted Debibi United at Debibi Presby Park on Sunday.
The meeting will be the first between the clubs in the top flight, with second-placed Hearts aiming to maintain their momentum and Debibi United seeking an immediate response after their most recent defeat.
The Phobians arrive in strong form after a 1-0 victory against Basake Holy Stars at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium last weekend. That result made it three successive league wins for Hearts, following earlier victories over Vision FC and Port City.
Hearts have collected 17 points from eight matches and occupy second place, level with leaders Medeama SC but behind them on goal difference. A fourth consecutive win would keep them firmly in contention at the summit.
Their campaign has been built on a particularly strong defence. Hearts have conceded only twice in eight league matches, the fewest goals in the competition, and have recorded four successive clean sheets.
They have also performed well away from home. In four matches on the road, the Accra club have won twice, drawn once and lost once, scoring three goals and conceding two.
Coach Nebojsa Kapor said Hearts had the confidence and ability to collect maximum points, while acknowledging that Debibi United would present a demanding challenge.
“I have given the players the confidence to win this game because this is a team capable of winning away matches. That is the mindset we have adopted. We must remain positive, focused and serious in our approach as we aim to secure all three points, although we know it will not be an easy task,” Kapor said.
Debibi United will attempt to recover from their loss to Bechem United in their previous fixture. As a newly promoted side, they will be hoping home advantage can help them produce a strong performance against one of Ghana’s most successful clubs.
The match gives Debibi their first top-flight opportunity to face Hearts of Oak, while the visitors will be conscious that dropping points could hinder their efforts to keep pace with Medeama SC.
Although Hearts enter the fixture as the title contenders with the stronger recent record, Debibi United have the chance to make an early impression in the top flight by claiming a notable result at home.
