It was not be an easy game against Hohoe United - Heart of Lions coach Bashir Hayford

Heart of Lions coach Bashir Hayford says he is expecting a game against Hohoe United. 

Lions will be hosted by the regional rivals in the Matchday 17 games at the Hohoe Sports Stadium on Friday, January 2.

Heart of Lions are yet to taste a win in as many as four matches, making their away trip to Hohoe a nervy one, and coach Bashir Hayford shared some words on team preparation.

“The preparation has not been bad at all; we have prepared very well, just that we have lost a number of matches, so the morale went down," Hayford said ahead of the game.

"It’s our normal game that we are going to play. We need to take all three points, and if we are not able to do so, it means we are still sinking down the league ladder.

He further admitted that the game will be met with a tense atmosphere, judging from the rivalry that comes with local derbies.

“Hohoe Township wouldn’t like Heart of Lions to win, so it’s now a battle between two regional giants of the Volta Region. It’s not going to be an easy match.

“Although we are struggling, it is getting to the end of the first round, and we hope we will carry the day," he added.

Kick off for the game is scheduled at 15:30 GMT.