Heart of Lions head coach Bashir Hayford has admitted his side face a must-win test when they travel to take on Hohoe United in a tense Volta Region derby this weekend.
Lions will be hosted by their regional rivals at the Hohoe Sports Stadium on Friday, January 2, in a Matchday 17 clash that comes at a difficult moment for the Kpando-based club.
Heart of Lions are winless in four games, a run that has seen confidence dip and pressure mount, and Hayford did not hide the stakes ahead of the encounter.
“The preparation has not been bad at all; we have prepared very well,” Hayford said.
“But we have lost a number of matches, so the morale went down.”
The experienced trainer stressed that anything short of victory could deepen Lions’ struggles in the league.
“It’s our normal game that we are going to play. We need to take all three points, and if we are not able to do so, it means we are still sinking down the league ladder.”
Beyond form, Hayford acknowledged the intensity and hostility that often defines local derbies, especially against a Hohoe side playing at home.
“Hohoe Township wouldn’t like Heart of Lions to win,” he admitted.
“So it’s now a battle between two regional giants of the Volta Region. It’s not going to be an easy match.”
Despite the pressure, the Lions coach remains hopeful his side can rise to the occasion as the first round of the season draws to a close.
“Although we are struggling, it is getting to the end of the first round, and we hope we will carry the day.”
Kick-off is scheduled for 15:30 GMT, with pride, points and momentum all on the line in what promises to be a fiery regional showdown.
