Arguably the most under-pressure head coach in the Ghana Premier League go head-to-head on Friday evening with 2023/24 champions Samartex, when Ibrahim Tanko’s Accra Lions host Nurudeen Amadu’s Samartex at the University of Ghana Stadium today (Friday) at 6pm (18:00 GMT) in a round 9 clash.
While the Lions managed a goalless draw with Accra rivals Legon Cities last Friday, the Timber Giants earned a relief-inducing 1-0 win over Berekum Chelsea.
Match Preview
Even the most ardent Accra Lions fan will accept that they were fortunate to leave with a share of the spoils at Legon Cities as their red sore faced kept panting in hunt for the three maximum point’s during the clash, though, as Kwadwo Bonsu had to be called upon on several occasions to repel the cellar dwellers.
In even more troubling news for Lions supporters, the team have lost three of their four meetings with Samartex who are 5th with 13 points.
Tanko will desperately hope that tonight’s game will be in their favor as a defeat will robustly keep pinning them in the relegation zone as they lay 16th with 7 points.
Team News
Samartex have five key players who are currently injured as they remain doubts, while Accra Lions will be with majority of their key lads as they host the Timber Giants in the all cagey encounter.
Accra Lions possible starting lineup:
Bonsu; Remember, Apiiga, Awoute, Dankwah, Hamzata, Mohammed, Nwafor, Setordjie, Tahiru, Taylor
Samartex possible starting lineup:
Baah; Acquah, Adabo, Afful, Agbeaimah, Adjei, Ephson, Mamah, Mensah, Sarpong, Sefah
We say: Accra Lions 2-1 Samartex
Neither side has started the season well and Accra Lions will be desperate to bounce back from a dismal performance at Legon Cities last weekend with a solid display in front of their own fans.
Timber Giants coach Nurudeen must surely be aware that the time for talk is over and even the silverware he brought to Samartex last season will not be enough to save him unless results pick up consistently soon. The Timber Giants have done major damage to Lions over the years and a win here could mean the writing is on the wall for Nurudeen Amadu.
