Hearts of Oak will be looking to return to winning ways when they host Heart of Lions at the University of Ghana Stadium on Sunday, following their disappointing defeat to newly promoted Debibi United last weekend.

The Phobians had built momentum with three consecutive victories before suffering a 1-0 loss at Debibi Presby Park, a result that exposed areas they still need to improve as they pursue a strong campaign.

Coach Nebojsa Kapor believes his side were let down by small details in the defeat but is confident they can respond against Heart of Lions.

He says the team has trained with good energy ahead of the encounter and expects a better performance, particularly in their ability to control the game and create clear scoring opportunities.

Heart of Lions, meanwhile, arrive in Accra with renewed confidence after beating Bechem United 2-1 at home to end a three-match winless run.

Heart of Lions secured the victory following the resignation of Turkish coach Kasim Gökyildiz, who stepped down shortly before the Bechem United fixture. His assistant, Daniel Nii Adjei, took charge on an interim basis and guided the team to a 2-1 win.

Nii Adjei will now face another test against Hearts, a club he knows well from his playing days with Asante Kotoko, when he featured in several Super Clash encounters. His experience of facing the Phobians could prove useful as he prepares his team for Sunday's assignment.

The recent head-to-head record suggests a closely contested fixture. In six meetings since November 2023, Hearts of Oak have won twice, Heart of Lions once, while three matches have ended in draws. Their most recent meeting in March 2026 finished goalless.

Hearts currently occupy third place, just one point behind Medeama, and remain in the conversation for the league title. Having last won the championship in 2021, Kapor's side will be keen to maintain their challenge and avoid another slip.

For Heart of Lions, the priority is to build on their victory over Bechem United and collect the points needed to move further away from the relegation zone.

Both teams have plenty to play for, but Hearts will carry the greater pressure to deliver in front of their home supporters.