There is a sense of optimism among Hearts of Oak fans that this season will be a successful one.

It has been 10 years since they laid hands on the Ghana Premier League trophy, amounting to eight seasons since the Phobians fell short of the ultimate prize.

Recently when the club turned 109, their trophy drought dominated discussions. Fans are desperate to see the players lift the title for the 20th time this season.

But to achieve that, they must get their campaign off to a positive start against AshantiGold on Tuesday night at the Accra Sports Stadium.

There will be live commentary of the match on Joy 99.7 FM with Joy Sports team led by George Addo Jr and Gary Al-Smith.

Preview

This is Hearts of Oak's first match of the 2020/21 season after their opener against Aduana Stars got cancelled as a result of reported coronavirus cases.

There were reports that many Hearts players had tested positive for the virus, hence Ghana Football Association (GFA) decided to cancel the clash in Dormaa.

The players recovered early last week but the GFA, due to fitness concerns, rescheduled the encounter with Ashgold from Sunday to Tuesday to give the Phobians more time to prepare.

Unlike Hearts, the Miners were in action on week 1. They faced Karela United at their favoured Len Clay Stadium but failed to get a positive result as they were held 2-2.

Thus, a very competitive game is expected as both teams would be after their first three points of the season.

Quotes ahead of the game

Hearts of Oak communications director, Opare Addo told Kumasi-based Otec FM the past few weeks has been stressful for the club but they are confident of a winning start.

We are currently at our camping base making sure that we will continue with our training for the game against Ashanti Gold.

No matter how stressful the whole situation has been, we are managing it very well and will make sure that it doesn’t affect our progress.

Everybody is fine, we are ever ready and preparing well for AshGold. We will make sure that we put things in place very well to be able to start well.

Ashgold assistant coach Thomas Duah, in an interview with Happy FM, said they will beat Hearts in Accra.

God will give us three points and that is what we are looking up to. Football has changed of late, everyone understands the game now.

Eleven Wonders were able to hold Kotoko because of the dynamics. So, our fans should expect nothing but victory today.

Head to Head:

Hearts of Oak and Ashgold have met 58 times in the league. The Phobians have won 27 times, drawn 13 and lost 18.

At home, Hearts have won 17 of the 29 meetings, losing 8 with 4 ending in draws.

Probable lineups

Hearts of Oak – Richard Attah; Fatawu Mohammed, Raddy Ovuaka, Nuru Sulley; Michelle Sarpong, Emmanuel Nettey, Benjamin Afutu; Patrick Razak, Daniel Afriyie, Obeng Kwadwo Jnr.

AshantiGold –  Bailou Mohammed; Abdul Bashiru, Richard Osei Agyemang, Kwadwo Amoako, Frank Akoto; David Abagna, Appiah Mccarthy; Amos Kofi Nkrumah, Jacob Appau Asiedu, Hans Kwoffie, Mark Agyekum.