GPL: Hearts of Oak and Great Olympics flirting with relegation as final day looms
Hearts of Oak and Great Olympics are bracing for a tense final day in the 2023/24 Ghana Premier League season, with both clubs battling to avoid relegation after a goalless draw in their crucial matchup on Sunday.
The Mantse derby at the Accra Sports Stadium, a must-win for both sides, ended in a 0-0 stalemate, leaving both teams in precarious positions.
The game was not without controversy, as Hearts of Oak had a potential goal disallowed by the referee. A mistake by Olympics goalkeeper Benjamin Asare presented Hearts with an opportunity, but the referee’s whistle to end the half negated the rebound, much to the frustration of Hearts’ fans.
The match was evenly balanced, managing three goal attempts each, but neither side could find the back of the net.
The result means both Hearts of Oak and Great Olympics must secure victories in their final matches to stay in the league. Hearts of Oak face a challenging away game against Bechem United, while Great Olympics will host already relegated Real Tamale United in Accra.
The current standings see Karela in 13th place with 43 points, followed by Hearts of Oak with 42 points. Dreams FC, with a game in hand, also have 42 points and sit in 15th place. Great Olympics are in 16th place with 41 points and risk joining already relegated Bofoakwa Tano and Real Tamale United.
Karela, too, are not safe and will need to overcome Medeama on the final day to ensure their survival.
As the final day approaches, the fate of these storied clubs hangs in the balance, with fans and players alike anxiously awaiting the outcomes of these crucial matches.
