League leaders Hearts of Oak host Basake Holy Stars, and striker John Antwi wants no complacency from a side chasing a Ghana Premier League title.
John Antwi is stepping up as a leading voice at Hearts of Oak, Ghana's most storied club, as the Phobians chase a Ghana Premier League title. Ahead of Friday's home game against Basake Holy Stars, the striker has a clear message for the dressing room: respect everyone.
Hearts welcome Basake to the University of Ghana Sports Stadium at 5:00 pm, looking to build on a hard-fought win over Vision FC. Antwi says no fixture in the league is a walkover, and he points to recent matches that looked straightforward on paper but did not play out that way.
"Every team in the league is very difficult to play," Antwi told Hearts TV, noting that opponents many expected the team to beat easily gave them a tougher game than predicted. His plan is to treat Basake like any other opponent and go all out from the first whistle.
The Phobians have reason for confidence. Kwesi Asmah scored the only goal in the 1-0 win over Vision FC in matchweek seven, and Hearts now top the table with 14 points from seven games. Last season's meetings with Basake offer a warning and some encouragement: a goalless home draw, followed by an away win.
For a club carrying the hopes of one of Ghana's biggest fanbases, staying humble could be the difference between leading the table and chasing it. Antwi seems determined to keep his teammates focused.
