IT is an open secret that Accra Hearts of Oak have the knack for conquest in cup matches, on the local scene especially.

The Phobians have time and again established this fact, thus making them favourites in such encounters.

Just last Sunday, the champion club confirmed this assertion when they defeated local rivals, Great Olympics, 1-0 to win the King Tawiah Centenary Cup for keeps.

Come tomorrow, another opportunity presents itself for the Phobians to increase their silverware collection when they incidentally engage in yet another local derby against Liberty Professionals this time around. But just like last Sunday's duel, tomorrow's match will be very tough and gruelling as followers of matches between the two teams will readily attest to this fact.

Another truism about their matches is that it always ends in favour of the Phobians.

Perhaps this is the time for Sly Tetteh's boys to stem the tide after failing to do so in previous encounters.

Since joining the premiership, Liberty have usually come close to the dream of beating Hearts but faded out when it matters most.

It will therefore be little surprise when they dictate the pace of tomorrow's game and allow their opponents to carry the day eventually. The big news, however, will be for Liberty to beat Hearts for the first time in their existence.

Considering the cause for which this match is being played, a lot of fans are expected to throng the Accra Stadium to give meaning to this fund-raising event for the nation's Commonwealth Games contingent.

Being a special occasion, the fans might be privileged to see in action a few foreign-based players on either side as has been allowed by the organisers. Again, Hearts fans could have the chance to watch Ishmael Addo and Emmanuel Kuffour in action for the first time in about seven months, all things being equal.

As a further bonus, some attractive prizes await lucky fans in respect of a ?spot the ball? competition to be organised at the gates.