After their inability to defend the league last season, Hearts of Oak will hope to reach that echelon this time as they play as guests to Aduana Stars at the Nana Agyemang Badu II Stadium this afternoon in their opening fixture of the 2022/23 betPawa Premier League
The 'Phobians' failed to make the top four after some glimpses of hope in the latter part of the season, having made a sixth-placed finish with 48 points.
However, the 'Ogya' outfit also moved into total catastrophe at some point of last season and astonishingly won less than five matches in the second round, reason they ended up with 45 points on the 11th slot.
Aduana Stars had the better of Hearts of Oak in the last campaign, having secured one all stalemate in Accra but narrowly edged them out in Dormaa to claim four out of the total six.
TEAM NEWS
It was almost a total overhaul in Dormaa as Aduana Stars offloaded most of their experience players in the just ended transfer window including skipper Yahaya Mohammed, Hafiz Adams, Abdul Rahman and many more.
However, they have also introduced thirteen new guys into their squad and comprised of military officer Justus Torsutsey, Bright Enchil, Sadat Mornah, including two returnees Stephen Anokye Badu and lanky midfielder Elvis Opoku.
On the other hand, Hearts of Oak have also brought in 12 new players including three foreigners; Junior Kaaba, Yassan Ouatching and Congolese Don Linda Mtange.
However, veteran Sulley Muntari has left after joining them prior to the start of the second phase of last season but Samuel Inkoom is still around and had a decent preseason looking poised for the new season.
Ibrahim Larry Sumaila, Frederick Ansah Botchway, bulky striker Kofi Kordzi have all ended their stay with the 'Phobians' with highly-rated duo of goalkeeper Eric Ofori Antwi and Eric Esso have also joined and are expected to make the line up afternoon.
Lastly, Daniel Afriyie Barnieh, Mohammed Alhassan, Dennis Korsah, Suraj Seidu, Gladson Awako and new capture Konadu Yiadom, who just qualified the Black Galaxies to the 2023 CHAN tournament have all returned and will be available for selection this afternoon.
CHANNEL
StarTimes Adepa 247
KICKOFF
1500GMT (3:00pm)
By: Iddriss Abdul Rahim
