Ghana premier league roundup

The sudden renaissance of our local league is a surprise to many. Though it was expected, some of us did not envisage such enthusiastic response from fans of the respective clubs at this time. Perhaps Ghanaians have resolved to hold on to their own regardless of comparative quality of play and professionalism from the flashy European leagues and other foreign competitions. Also, one can say Ghanaians have understood the local adage which holds that ‘irrespective of your mother’s ugliness, she is still your mother’.

Ghana Premier League leaders, Aduana Stars, are poised to win the GHPL title this year with two games to the end of the season.

The 2015/16 Ghana Premier League season will kick –off on Saturday and Sunday 20th and 21st February, 2016 at match venues across the country.

PL title contenders - Accra Hearts of Oak – will on Monday, May 2^nd, 2016, renew their rivalry with – Asante Kotoko – at the Accra Sports Stadium in Ghana’s version of the El Clasico or Super Clash to others in the topmost encounter of Match Day 10, as the Rainbow Shirted lads led on the bench by Japanese American import - Kenichi Yatsuhashi take on a Porcupine Warriors side led by caretaker coach Michael Osei who will be looking to avoid back-to-back defeats under his watch in the 103^rd meeting between the two clubs. But there are games to be played on Sunday despite the Hearts vs Kotoko expected thriller sapping all the attention from the other matches.

 Match Day 2 of the Ghana Premier League kicked off this past Friday at the Len Clay stadium with New Edubiase FC righting their PL season with a lone goal victory over visiting PL returnee side Ebusua Dwarfs who have now gone 0 and 2 in their first 2 PL games of the campaign.

 With the topmost encounter of the match day - Ghana’s version of the ‘El Clasico’ - the match between PL leaders, Accra Hearts of Oak and PL title hopefuls Kumasi Asante Kotoko, scheduled for tomorrow at Kumasi’s Baba Yara Stadium, Hasaacas vs Dreams also set for tomorrow and the match between title contenders Wa All Stars and CAF Confederation Cup title hopefuls Medeama SC postponed, 5 games were played on Saturday with Ebusua Dwarfs being the biggest winners as they somehow managed to pick up a rare and crucial road point after forcing the Miners to come back from a goal down for a share of the spoils to keep their PL survival hopes aglow, despite dropping to the 12th spot.

The young GPL season will continue as scheduled on Saturday, 5^th of March, at the Obuasi Len Clay Stadium with Reigning Champions AshGold set to bounce back from their short-lived CAF Champions League journey, following their early exit as they host Berekum Chelsea on Saturday in the first fixture of Match Day 3.

 Reigning GPL champions, AshantiGold, failed to bounce back with a victory following their preliminary round exit from the 2016 CAF Champions League as they were forced to settle for a goalless tie by visiting Berekum Chelsea at the Obuasi Len Clay Stadium in the opening game of Match Day 3 played on Saturday.

The Ghana premier league season thus far has not been bereft of surprises with the favorites struggling to get things right whilst underestimated teams are flourishing.

A lot was said and written about Hearts of Oak, many completely wrote them off and did not give the twenty times PL Champions a shot at winning the title prior to the start of the season, but the chorus has changed after four games with Kenichi Yatsuhashi's men earning plaudits from all and sundry for their stellar start.

Match Day 5 of the Ghana Premier League season kicked off on a rare Friday night schedule that saw the fifth time being the charm for preseason title favorites - Asante kotoko - as they finally won their first game of the season on their fifth attempt, a lone goal victory over Hasaacas, courtesy of Kwame Boateng's second half strike to give their teaming fans something to celebrate after a dismal start to the season (2L, 2D).

Match Day 6 of the Ghana Premier League will come off as scheduled this weekend following a short break for the MTN FA Cup Round of 64 and some international action that saw the Black Stars take on the Os Mambas of Mozambique with current table toppers - undefeated Accra Hearts of Oak - having the perfect opportunity at home on Sunday to put some separation between themselves and the rest of the field as they welcome a very enterprising Wa All Stars side in a fiery clash between undefeated number 1 and undefeated number 2 in what is undeniably the headliner of match day 6 with the winner retaining the undefeated bragging rights for however long.

Match Day 9 of the Ghana Premier League will come on as scheduled at the various stadiums with the interest of football fans and the general public focused on recent managerial developments within two of the storied clubs in the land. First, it was Asante Kotoko parting ways with renowned Ghanaian Coach David Duncan over the team’s poor performance and allegations about the Reds covert attempts to bring in Medeama’s Tom Strand and their current search for a new Head Coach, likely from abroad. And now, it’s all about the rumored brouhaha between Hearts of Oak’s management and their new Head Coach – Kenichi Yatsuhashi - who has brought them some success in recent memory and regenerated a disinterested fan base for calling out management on Social Media (SM) over unpaid allowances for players and technical staff, the confirmed firing of Sporting Director Mr. Joseph Addo and the unsubstantiated firing or impending rumored firing of the very popular coach whose twitter handle suddenly came to life late Friday evening with the cryptic message, “ I am not fighting this battle alone” after it went cold on 19^th of April.

 Reinvigorated Kumasi Asante Kotoko’s recent surge in the PL was on Saturday shot down at the Baba Yara Stadium as hitherto visiting cellar dwellers stunned the home side with a lone goal to deny them their bid for a third successive win, with Michael Osei picking up his first defeat as Interim Coach.

With Coach Kenichi Yatsuhashi back in charge of the reins following a rumored misunderstanding between his employers and him, Accra Hearts of Oak ended their 3 game non-winning run in the PL at the Obuasi Len Clay Stadium, as they picked up what was incidentally their first victory in 9 years against AshGold at Obuasi, courtesy of a Cosmos Dauda brace to add to the woes of the longsuffering reigning champions, and at the Wa Park, PL leaders – All Stars - added to the misery of a good but underperforming Inter Allies team to maintain their 2point edge over title contenders, Accra Hearts of Oak.

In a stunning turn of events, Sekondi Hasaacas failed to rebound at home as they picked up their first home defeat of the season on 90 minutes, newly promoted Techiman City continued their dominance over their PL peers in the Brong Ahafo Region as they added Bechem United to their conquest list to complete the first round season sweep of all their regional rivals and WAFA capitalized on their home court to dispatch the visiting Crabs (Ebusua Dwarfs) by two goals to nothing.

Also on Sunday, Aduana dispatched Tom Strand’s Medeama CAF Confederation Cup play-off round contenders by three goals to nothing for their fourth win of the season and B. Chelsea made mincemeat of visiting Dreams FC who have thus far not been shabby on the road, dispatching their guests to Dawu with a 3-0 deficit.

Kotoko 1-0 New Edubiase – Kumasi

New Edubiase end winning run for Michael Osei and Asante Kotoko

The Reds search for their third straight victory stalled at home on Saturday as they succumbed to their second home defeat of the season, a lone goal loss under the stewardship of interim coach Michael Osei who had nabbed 3 straight wins in all competitions.

Coach Anthony Kommeh and his hitherto cellar dwelling New Edubiase side finally caught the break they had been looking for as they picked up just their second win and first away win of the season to leapfrog to the 13^th spot.

Prince Antwi’s 20^th minute goal sealed the deal for the visitors as Kotoko puffed and huffed fruitlessly for the equalizer with the likes of Ahmed Adams and Dauda Mohammed missing out on numerous incredible chances to equalize as the Edubiase defence, especially, shot stopper - Benjamin Mensah – hauled in several heroic saves to deny Kotoko.

The loss dropped the Porcupine Warriors from mid-table to 9^th on 11 points and 9points of the summit.

Wa All Stars 2-0 Inter Allies – Wa Park

Wa All Stars maintain top spot and unbeaten home run

PL leaders, Wa All Stars rebounded beautifully at home against reeling Inter-Allies with a 2-0 win to hold on to the top spot on 20points.

Late second half goals, the first from Richard Arthur who pounced on a Maxwell Baako cross midway through the second half, and the second from Emmanuel Ocran who finished off a team move late in injury time sealed all 3points for All Stars.

The bright spot on the day for the visitors was goalie Osei Kwame who pulled a string of remarkable saves to help his side keep the deficit low. Inter dropped to the third relegation spot on 8 points from 8 matches and will have to fix their recent ails before it gets too late.

Techiman City 2-0 Bechem Utd – Techiman

Techiman City add Bechem to conquest list.

Techiman City got back into the winning column at home following their 2-1 road loss to Ebusua Dwarfs this past Wednesday with a 2-0 victory over Bechem United to complete a first round sweep of all their regional rivals, namely, B. Chelsea, Aduana and Bechem Utd.

The Citizens were the superior team on the afternoon in almost all departments and goals from Issaka Ibrahim and Isaac Baah sandwiched between both halves of the game proved to be the difference as they picked up their 4^th home win of the season to maintain their 7^th spot on the log.

Bechem also maintained their 11^th perch on the log on 10points.

WAFA 2-0 Dwarfs – Sogakope

WAFA win at home without Samuel Tetteh

WAFA picked up their fourth victory of the season with a 2-0 spanking of visiting Ebusua Dwarfs.

Charles Boateng 26^th minute goal and another from Ibrahim Tanko were enough for all 3points as Dwarfs who missed a couple of key players due to injury looked out of sorts and outclassed with Nicholas Gyan missing a good scoring opportunity for the Crabs.

WAFA improved to 5^th on 14points whilst fell another notch (15^th) into the relegation places.

AshantiGold 1-2 Hearts of Oak – Obuasi

Hearts of Oak end 3 game non-winning run 9year non-winning drought at Len Clay with Coach Kenichi Yatsuhashi back in charge following a rumored misunderstanding with Hearts of Oak brass.

Winning in sports they say cures all things and perhaps that is what the ‘coaching crisis’ hit Accra Hearts of Oak needed as they killed two birds with one stone on Sunday, halting their 3 game non-winning run and a 9 year winning drought at Obuasi.

Cosmos Dauda powered the Phobians to victory with his brace; the first in the 52^nd minute as he chased down a flicked header for the opener and the second just before the 55^th minute as headed home a Mustapha Essuman cross before Awudu Nafiu gave the home side a slim hope of eventually levelling up the score as he pulled one back for the hosts on 73 minutes. But it ended up being nothing more than a consolation as the Phobians hung on for their third road win of the season to hold on to the second spot on 18points, and 2points off the top spot.

The brace is Cosmos Dauda’s second on the season and his third goal from his last two PL matches.

Perhaps the victory is a good omen for the Phobians whose last victory against AshGold at Obuasi on 28/02/07 (9yrs, 1month, 3wks, 6days), a lone goal win culminated in a PL Title win on the season.

AshGold remain 10^th on 10points after the loss.

Chelsea 3-0 Dreams – Berekum

Dreams FC pick up first back-to-back defeat of the season as Chelsea maintain perfect home record.

Berekum Chelsea moved into the PL top-four following a comfortable 3-0 victory over visiting newbies, Dreams FC, who picked up their first back-to-back defeat in the PL after a credible 8 game run that saw them lose twice.

A double from top scorer Saddick Adams in the second half of the game and another, the opener from Seth Appiah deep into the first half handed all 3points to the home side who moved into the fourth spot on the log on 16points.

Dreams plummeted from the third to the seventh spot on 14points with the loss.

Hasaacas 0-1 Liberty – Sekondi

Visiting Liberty stun Hasmal at home.

Match favorites Sekondi Hasaacas were given a shocker at home by Liberty Professionals who managed to bag all 3points at Essipong against all the odds hand Hasaacas their second straight of the season.

Hasmal dominated the match especially in the first half but failed to convert with Eric Bekoe leading the charge but missing the few chances that came their way whilst the visitors who looked as though they will be satisfied with a point held on.

But with the game heading towards a draw, Bernard Arthur, chose the most inopportune time to strike for the winner – the 90^th- minute to leave Hasaacas with almost no time to strike the equalizer.

The victory catapulted Liberty to the 3^rd spot on 16 points whilst Hasaacas somehow moved from 13^th to 12^th on the log on 10 points.

Aduana 3-0 Medeama – Dormaa

Medeama SC drop to bottom of PL log

Playing back-to-back home games for the first time this season, Aduana Stars, continued from where they left off last week, as they dispatched visiting CAF Confederation Cup play-off round contenders Medeama SC by a whopping 3 goals to nothing for a record 7 goals from two PL matches following their midweek blowout of Hasaacas by 4 goals to nothing.

Former Kotoko striker Mohammed Yahaya scored yet another brace on the match day; the first in the 35^th minute, courtesy of Zakaria Mumuni’s cross before making it a double around the 60^th minute mark.

Elvis Opuku sealed the deal in the waning moments of the game to put an already lost game well beyond the reach of their visitors.

Abena Alice with news wires

Following a mixed bag of results this past weekend on the opening day of the 2019/20 Ghana Premier League season that led to heightened drama in the camp of Accra Hearts of Oak, and the subsequent firing of their head coach, Kim Grant, and the coaches of Karela FC and Cape Coast Ebusua Dwarfs jumping on to the hot seat immediately following losses at home, the pairings for this weekend have the promise of piling up the pressure on several teams as they look to make amends and forestall a 0-2 start to the young season.

 With traditional rivals Accra Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko set to play the 103^rd game of their rivalry at the Accra Sports Stadium, tomorrow May 2^nd, Premier League leaders – Wa All Stars – saw their lead atop the summit remain the same (2points) despite picking up their second defeat of the season at the hands of Medeama SC, leaving open the possibility of the Phobians taking hold of the summit tomorrow, should they handle their business against Kotoko.

 The pressure to win on the road caught up with hitherto PL leaders – Wa All Stars – as precocious and newly promoted side – Techiman City FC – extended their unbeaten home run to five despite conceding a goal on their home turf for the first time this season as they handed Wa All Stars their first back-to-back defeat of the season and bundled them off the summit on a sound 2-1 scoreline in their match day 11 encounter at the Nana Ameyaw Park in Techiman to move into the fourth spot.

The nation’s top-flight league will enter Match Day 12 this Wednesday, May 18, 2016 with the Ghana Football Association still in pursuit of a headline sponsor for the PL, and Ghana's sole representative in Africa, Medeama SC, will once again not be engaged because of their CAF Confederation Cup second leg playoff assignment against South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns which is set for the same day. The Yellows and Mauves must overturn a 3-1 deficit to book their place in group stage.

 Coach Kenichi Yatsuhashi and his Rainbow Shirted lads validated their undefeated away record in this year’s PL, upping it to a record 7 straight games without defeat as they came from a goal down to hold Coach Aristicã Cioãbã and his in-form high scoring raging Fire Boys at the vaunted Nana Agyemang Badu Park where the latter had until the Phobians stop racked up 5 straight victories, and an overall 5 game winning run. Not to be outdone, Reds interim coach – Michael Osei - and his Porcupine Warriors piled up the pressure on the Phobians and the Fire Boys for the summit with a lone goal victory over visiting Inter Allies, to move into the third spot, just 2points adrift off the summit as we move into the penultimate stage of the first round.

The second round of the GPL will resume this weekend after almost a month’s break that was marked by the Black Stars AFCON qualifying matches, MTN FA Cup semifinal matches among others.

Match Day 18 of the Ghana premier league came on as scheduled this weekend with all the top four teams on the log hitting a brick wall as all they could manage was pick up a point in their respective encounters, starting with title hopefuls – Asante Kotoko – who fluffed the opportunity to move up top on Saturday, as hosts, Inter Allies, fought back from a goal down to salvage a point but dropped to the last but one relegation spot.

The nation’s top-flight league will enter week 19 this weekend with seven of the usual eight matches to look out for. Medeama for the umpteenth time this term will not be in action due to their CAF Confederation Cup assignment against Young Africans of Tanzania. All the Best to the Tarkwa lads!

 Match Day 19 of the Ghana Premier League came on as scheduled at the various stadiums with Accra Hearts of Oak the surprise beneficiaries of the day’s results as they leapfrogged Wa All Stars for the summit, with new boss Sergio Traguil picking up his first victory on his third try. The Rainbow Shirted lads opened a 2point gap at the top against the closest competition with the win.

Top-flight football continues this Wednesday with Table toppers – Accra Hearts of Oak - hoping to extend their lead at the summit at the expense of Berekum Chelsea whilst third placed Asante kotoko, who twice fluffed the chance to go top of the table following two straight ties, will seek to bounce back to winning ways as they travel down south to square off with drop zone candidates Ebusua Dwarfs.

The Ghana Premier League will enter Match Day 22 on Wednesday with a fresh three horse race brewing in the background as Medeama SC from out of the blue with the 5th spot, 33points and three games in hand readies to give Hearts of Oak and WA All Stars a run for the top spot. Kotoko have fallen down the pecking order and will need to react fast or miss out on the title chase.

 Ghana Premier League title hopefuls – Wa All Stars – on Sunday added to the relegation woes of Bechem Utd with a 2-0 defeat to leapfrog Accra Hearts of Oak for the PL summit they once held, following the 3-0 hammering of the Phobians by the Academy Lads – WAFA – in their PL topmost encounter played on Saturday.

Match Day 24 of the Ghana Premier League will kick off tomorrow, the 13th of August in light of the GFA’s decision to have all scheduled PL matches played a day ahead to enable sports fans and other PL teams watch and provide whatever support they can for Medeama SC’s CAF Confederation Cup match against TP Mazembe of Congo which comes this Sunday at the Essipong Stadium in Takoradi.

Action continues on Wednesday across the country as the Ghanaian topflight league enters Match Day 25 with several exciting fixtures to look out for, especially at two venues, Kumasi and WA, where two feisty top four encounters involving all the title contenders will take place.

Match Day 25 of the Ghana Premier League came on as scheduled with the topmost encounters of the day – the pair of matches between the top four teams on the log - living up to the billing as Accra Hearts of Oak climbed back from a goal down at Wa to salvage a crucial point on the road to fluff Wa All Stars chance of extending their lead atop the log, and at the Baba Yara Stadium PL title hopefuls – Asante Kotoko also failed to capitalize on their friendly home confines to go top of the log as the visiting second placed Aduana Stars held them to a pulsating goalless tie.

The Ghana Premier League will enter Week 26 this weekend with the race for the top spot far from decided and no runaway winner in sight as the top four teams with just 1 and 2points separation between them all played to a pulsating draw in a rare midweek top four clash that had title hopes on the line. And, with the race for survival in the PL also far from over; New Edubiase breathing new life into their still ailing campaign, Inter Allies unable to generate enough steam to move up, Hasaacas sliding in out of drop zone consciousness, Liberty Professionals and Techiman City plummeting into the relegation fray with just 2points cushioning them from the first relegation spot, the schedule takes an attention-grabbing turn as it pits two of the top four teams against two of the bottommost teams with huge stakes on the line.

Yaw Abotsi's G??AL for @BechemUnitedFC for @Ebusua_Dwarfs in their 2-0 win @ Robert MenSah stadium #Ghpl #MatchDay26 pic.twitter.com/cjiQEiCNLV

— Ghana League Goals (@GHPL_Goals) August 21, 2016

Week 26 of the Ghana Premier League kicked off this past Saturday with a huge stunner as in-form Ebusua Dwarfs blew the chance to up their points tally and also distance themselves completely from any future relegation problems as the visiting Hunters – Bechem United – picked them apart for a rare 2-0 road victory, and on Sunday Accra Hearts of Oak perhaps kissed goodbye to their title hopes with another sloppy performance at home as bottom club Inter Allies forced them to climb back from a goal down to save face with a point in the waning moments of the game.

PL leaders – Wa All Stars – threw a dagger into New Edubiase’s relegation woes with a lone goal victory with the latter blowing the chance to win or at least salvage a point from the spot to give their season hope, Aduana Stars stayed the course of a possible second title win with an impressive 2-0 win over the visiting dethroned champions - AshGold - to stay a point behind the summit and at the Essipong Stadium Kumasi Asante dashed Hasaacas’ hope of a quick dig out from the relegation places as they shared the spoils with their relegation threatened hosts in a 1-1 tie.

Elsewhere on Sunday, Dreams FC took full advantage of home court to end their 3 games slide at the expense of the visiting Techiman City in their pressure cooker match with a 2-1 win and Liberty Professionals failed to make any significant headway against the relegation cloud as they divvied the spoils with visiting WAFA in a goalless encounter.

HEARTS 1-1 INTER ALLIES

Hearts of oak’s inability to win at home continued in week 26 as they rallied from behind for a one all draw against Inter Allies at the Accra Sports Stadium. Most Hearts fans saw the match as a decider for the top spot with the hope that leaders - Wa All Stars - would drop points in their road match against bottommost New Edubiase. But, it rather ended up being the opposite as Hearts dropped valuable points against the relegation threatened side and this has virtually affected their title hopes. They sit third on the log, three points adrift of Wa all Stars. Hearts were however the better side in both halves but it was Inter Allies who looked more purposeful upfront. Hearts profligacy at home continued unabated and it does not look like the Accra Sports Stadium is ready to be exorcised now.  Allies drew first blood in the 39th minute when Ropapa Mensah scored from a goal mouth melee after the Hearts defenders failed to clear their lines. Scores of Hearts fans who looked unimpressed with their side’s performance mounted pressure on coach Sergio Traguil to make changes before recess. He brought on Paul Acquah for Samudeen Ibrahim who was lethargic on the day. But the addition of Ollenu Ashittey in the second half revived the Phobian spirit. Hearts finally got the equalizer after incessant pressure in the 81st minute after Inusah Musah headed in a free kick. Hearts moved for the winner but Inter Allies stayed resolute to deny the Phobians. Even though Allies got only a point from the game, it adds to their points build up to escape relegation. They are still on the 15th position hoping that something magical will happen in the next four games.

DREAMS 2-1 TECHIMAN CITY

Yep, we got you covered. Michael Sarpong super header. Assist from skipper Abdul Bashiru.#MD26 #DFCLive #DreTec pic.twitter.com/DguBPrPxay

— Dreams Football Club (@DreamsFootballC) August 21, 2016

Dreams FC returned to winning ways at the Theatre of Dreams in Dawu where they beat Techiman City by two goals to one. The home side put smiles back to the faces of their fans after a disappointing midweek loss to WAFA. Techiman city needed the three maximum points badly to cushion their survival in the league but ended up losing everything.

LIVE : G??AL Aaron Amoah with the 1st goal of the day @DreamsFootballC 1-0 @Techimancityfc #MatchDay26 pic.twitter.com/bNctMERET6

— Ghana League Goals (@GHPL_Goals) August 21, 2016

Dreams FC got the first goal of the game courtesy of Aaron Amoah’s 9^th minute shot from the edge of the box before Michael Sarpong doubled the lead for Dreams FC just before the 50^th minute mark. But Stephen Manu got a consolation for the Citizens who looked unimpressive on the day with 20 minutes to go. The loss means Techiman City will have to continue battling relegation for the remainder of the season. The win lifted Dreams to 5^th spot with their stay in the PL all but assured for next season as they continue their quest for a top four finish.

LIBERTY PROFESSIONALS 0-0 WAFA

Liberty Professionals continued their torrid second half performance as they split the spoils with the visiting WAFA outfit. Their inconsistencies have landed them in the relegation battle. The point gap between them and the bottom clubs is very marginal and if they do not put things in order, relegation will dawn on them. After an impressive first round, Liberty seem to have lost concentration with some unpardonable home losses and ties .Nothing seems to be working for the scientific soccer lads this second round and it manifested in the match against the Academy Boys. Both teams played a compact game with few chances created. Though the game was end to end action packed game, it produced no clear cut chances for either side. It was however not surprising the game ended in a stalemate. Liberty are the worse affected by the blank score line and they must do everything possible else they risk losing their premiership status if those behind them perform better than them.

NEW EDUBIASE 0-1 WA ALL STARS

Wa All Stars shot themselves closer to the PL title with an enviable away win over bottom side New Edubiase at the Nana Gyamfi Park in Bekwai this afternoon. All Stars defied all odds and won the match to push them closer to the title which will be a historic first for the Wa Side. Edubiase needed the win badly and many pundits had them winning after lifting up their game for a rare midweek road win over Techiman City at the dreaded Osei Ameyaw Park. Wa All Stars surprised the home side with an early 17^th minute goal from Kweku Asiedu Baffour from which Edubiase could not recover from despite fighting hard for the equalizer with Nasir Lamine breaking the hearts of home fans after missing from the spot in the second half. The goal was enough to guarantee another week at the summit of the log as Edubiase’s quest for the equalizer did not materialize with All Stars remaining resolute in defence to pick the vital win which ironically pushed Edubiase further down towards the exit of the PL.

ADUANA STARS 2-0 ASHANTIGOLD

Aduana Stars did not have the luxury of time to entertain AshantiGold’s impressive second round performance. Aduana Stars halted the unbeaten run of AshantiGold in the second round by inflicting a painful defeat on the Miners. The victory left Aduana comfortably on the second spot, a point adrift of the summit and with the chance to grab their second title should things break their way in the remaining matches. Aduana Stars scored in both halves to seal the win with Godfred Saka converting a penalty and Noah Martey scoring from a beautiful build-up. AshantiGold tried to get a consolation but Aduana Stars had other ideas. They also pressed to get the third goal which seemed impossible. The lose means AshantiGold must continue the fight for survival in the remaining matches. Aduana will have a tall order to climb if they really want to win the league. The point gap between them and Wa All Stars is just one and if they continue their impressive performances without a slip, they can push the league to a photo finish.

SEKONDI HASAACAS 1-1 ASANTE KOTOKO

Asante Kotoko scored from the spot to earn a vital point at the Essipong Stadium against relegation threatened side Sekondi Hasaacas. Both clubs needed the available three points to change their fortunes on the log but on the day it was Hasaacas who looked more determined. They made their intentions clear with early surges but all were thwarted by the Kotoko defence. Samuel Afful got the opener for the Hasmal Boys but it was later cancelled by Amos Frimpong through a penalty. The Kotoko skipper has been the rescuer of the Porcupine Warriors with his deft skill of converting from the spot. Sekondi Hasaacas must blame themselves for not protecting their lead. They could not contain the little pressure mounted by Kotoko and surrendered through the controversial penalty. They remain holed up on the first relegation spot and will have to continue their efforts at surviving relegation.

EBUSUA DWARFS 0-2 BECHEM UNITED

Bechem United produced one of the best performances in the ongoing league this past Saturday when they surprisingly humbled in-form Ebusua Dwarfs at the Robert Mensah Stadium in Cape Coast. Dwarfs were in fine form prior to this game and much was expected from them. The visitors took charge of the game and dictated the pace. Dwarfs lose was unexpected and will continue to linger on the minds of pundits. Goals from Yaw Abotsi and an uncharacteristic howler from Dwarfs keeper Frank Andoh cost the crabs the match. Bechem United with the win caused one of the biggest surprises of the weekend as many did not give them a dog’s chance to get even a draw at Cape Coast due to their recent form. They have added some impetus to their mission of staying in the league and they look more than safe from their current 7^th spot on the log and 35points tally. A couple more of such performances might just catapult them to a top 5 or 6 finish.

Frank Andoh's own goal made it 2-0 for @BechemUnitedFC but kudos to Asante Agyemang with that long range #MatchDay26 pic.twitter.com/Lc04SYQ3fV

— Ghana League Goals (@GHPL_Goals) August 21, 2016

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With four games to the end of this year’s premier league season and no dominant team at the helm, the chase for the title looks likely to continue for a while and probably go down the wire for a photo finish. All the top five clubs have equal opportunity of winning the title and the vying clubs are battle ready for the last games of the season.

The Ghana Premier League returns this weekend after a short break with great expectations as the end beckons with three matches left to determine the destination of the PL title as well as decide on the two clubs that will join relegated Edubiase on the journey to the world of Division One soccer.

Coupled with the brewing battle between 6 teams to beat the drop, and the summit still being up for grabs despite Wa All Stars 3point advantage over the pursuing Aduana Stars, third and fourth placed Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak having a slim chance of breaking through for the title, match day 28 promises to be interesting from top to bottom.

League leaders - Wa All Stars – will attempt to make it all count for the ultimate prize as they make the long trip to Accra to square off against relegation embroiled Liberty Professionals who need the win badly to save their season, Aduana Stars will have the advantage of drawing level for the summit as they host Techiman City, Hearts of Oak will kick off the post-Traguil era with Yaw Preko in charge as interim manager at home against Ebusua Dwarfs as they look to break out of their recent 7 games slump,  and Asante Kotoko will take on Medeama SC in the weekend’s top liner at the Tarkwa T&A Park with hopes of ending their 3 games winless run.

Elsewhere, team of the moment – Bechem Utd – will be guests of relegated New Edubiase, Berekum Chelsea will take on AshGold, Hasaacas will attempt to rekindle their survival hopes at the expense of WAFA and Dreams FC will entertain relegation threatened Inter Allies.

All match day 28-30 games of the current season will kick-off simultaneously.

Liberty Professionals v WA All Stars - Dansoman

Thirteenth placed Liberty Professionals are in danger of being relegated compared to All Stars who are in pole position to annex the glorious league title for the first time.

With 32 points, Liberty are just a point safe and must produce a fine performance to win as a loss will likely drop them to relegation places.

For All Stars a win will give their title push a huge shot in the arm while a defeat could see them relinquish the top spot.

Liberty have bettered the Northern Blues eight times in 18 league matches, lost four and drew six times.

And are yet to taste defeat against All Stars in the last six fixtures.

Medeama SC v Asante Kotoko - Tarkwa

The top liner of the week will see Medeama lock horns with inconsistent Kotoko whose title chances solely depend on the outcome of this clash.

Medeama are on the rise. They are capable of wreaking havoc and Kotoko must work hard to avoid that.

However, Kotoko will have Black Stars new boy Dauda Mohammed back in their fold. The youngster can be a thorn in the flesh of Medeama if not checked.

Asante Kotoko tipped heavily to land the title after a sensational preseason are within six points of the summit and cannot afford another slip.

Medeama have their sights firmly set on a top four finish after narrowly missing out on the semifinal of CAF Confederation Cup. The last three matches between the two have ended in stalemates.

Hearts of Oak v Ebusua Dwarfs – Accra

The post Traguil era with Yaw Preko in charge as interim manager for the Phobians will commence with a home match against Ebusua Dwarfs as they look to rebound from the humiliating 3-1 loss at Bechem in their last PL outing and also overcome a recent string of bad outcomes that has seen them go winless in their last seven PL outings; 2 losses and 5 ties.

The 3-1 humiliating defeat at the hands of Bechem was too much for the club to take thus prompting the decision to demote the Portuguese.

Fans will expect nothing short of victory start to the new era. Cosmos Dauda, Sumudeen Ibrahim, Patrick Razak and the likes must up the ante to revive the dwindling fortunes of the club.

The Phobians have a slim chance of winning the PL title although they are 6points out, and that depends solely on winning all their remaining 3 matches those ahead of them dropping valuable points.

Dwarfs will be seeking a return to the win column after stunning back to back defeats against Bechem United and Medeama at home, they can be hopeful of grinding out a positive result against the Phobians whose performance at home this season has been awful.

Aduana Stars v Techiman City - Dormaa

The clash between two teams from the same region, Brong-Ahafo, but headed in different direction on the table.

Aduana are second with 45 points. Techiman currently lie 10th with 34 points. The latter were earlier candidates for relegation but 3points from an FA Disciplinary Committee ruling against New Edubiase has since seen the Citizens rise up from the bottom to gain some relief from the relegation cloud.

A win for Techiman allows them to continue their surge up the log. For the home side, a win allows them to inch closer to the top whilst a loss may dampen their title hopes.

Both sides have their destinies in their hands but the tide seems to favor a desperate Aduana side that wants to win the league.

Berekum Chelsea v Ashanti Gold - Berekum

With 35points and three points adrift of the drop zone, 12th placed Berekum Chelsea will have the chance to secure their 11th win of the season and also put some distance between them and the relegation zone with a victory over Ashgold.

Chelsea failed to capitalize on the opportunity to leave the Kumasi with all the spoils as they shared the spoils with Kotoko whilst the Miners won a hard fought lone goal victory over Hasaacas at home.

The pressure is on Chelsea in this one and they can pull it off against an Ashgold side that does not fared too well on the road but are capable of pushing for a tie.

Dreams FC v Inter Allies - Dawu

At Dawu, wounded Dreams will be in search of a resounding victory over rejuvenated but relegation embroiled relegation Inter Allies as they seek to close in on a top four spot.

The two sides endured different fortunes in last PL outings. Allies battered Edubiase 4-0 to boost their hopes of escaping the drop whilst Dreams FC suffered a 3-1 mauling at the hands of All Stars at the dreaded WA Park and will surely want to return to winning ways this weekend. We can expect a tough one.

Hasaacas v WAFA - Sekondi

WAFA could prove a hard nut to crack for Hasaacas who are seeking to move out of the relegation bracket.

Hasmal failed to make the most of their outstanding game against Medeama, and they may not be lucky to collect maximum the maximum points at the expense of WAFA who can be a handful on Sunday.

Hasaacas shockingly threw away a two goal lead to settle for a 2-2 draw, a win would have seen them out of danger and boosted their chances.

Hasaacas capitulated as WAFA run riot 5-1 in the first leg at the latter's home ground. A result WAFA can draw inspiration from to secure their first away win of the campaign.

New Edubiase v Bechem United - Bekwai

Edubiase will play for pride against MTN FA Cup champions Bechem United. The Bekwai-based side have been demoted to the second-tier following the disciplinary committee's decision to dock them six points for fielding an unqualified player in a match against Techiman City which they won 2-1.

The fully rejuvenated Bechem side with the easiest schedule on the weekend will be in search of their fifth straight victory.

We can expect Bechem to win this one hands down with perhaps a huge goal haul in tow.

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Brong Ahafo based Aduana Stars this afternoon boosted their chances of winning their second Premier League title with an impressive 4-0 obliteration of visiting regional neighbors – Techiman City FC – to draw level with and overtake hitherto leaders – Wa All Stars – on 48points as the latter saw their path to the title slowed down a bit, as relegation embroiled Liberty Professionals handed them a painful lone goal defeat to boost their chances of beating the drop. And, Ebusua Dwarfs once again sparked fears of relegation among their fans as they lost for the third straight time in as many outings, this time to previously fourth placed Accra Hearts of Oak who gave their fast fading title hopes a weak shot in the arm with the lone goal win for their first win after seven consecutive PL appearances which came under the leadership of interim coach Yaw Preko to improve to 3points adrift of the summit they once held.

Kumasi Asante Kotoko once again saw their chances of annexing of the title continue to diminish, as hosts, Medeama SC, came back from a goal down for a share of the spoils to leave the former five solid points adrift and Berekum Chelsea took full advantage of their surroundings to hand dethroned PL Champions AshGold a 2-0 to improve their survival odds against the relegation bug.

Elsewhere, relegation threatened Inter Allies put up a remarkable performance at the Theatre of Dreams to pick up all 3points at the expense of Dreams FC to move out of the relegation places to the 12^th spot and into a three way 34 points tie, with Ebusua Dwarfs and Techiman City who were all losers on Sunday and have the 13^th and 14^th spot respectively. Not to be outdone Sekondi Hasaacas picked up all 3points at home against WAFA but it was not enough to enable them shake off the last but one spot, and demoted cellar dwellers – New Edubiase – continued to march out of the Premier League with a lone goal home loss to newly crowned MTN FA Cup Champions -Bechem Utd – who won for the fifth straight time in as many outings.

Liberty Professionals 1-0 WA All Stars – Dansoman

At the Dansoman Carl Reindorf Park, relegation threatened Liberty Professionals put up a spirited fight to hand hitherto visiting league leaders – Wa All Stars – a lone goal loss to keep their season alive as they continue their quest to avoid relegation.

Diminutive midfielder Latif Blessing’s lone goal around the 25^th minute mark, his 14^th of the season was the difference maker as his side held on to the lead for the maximum points and an inspiring lift to the 11^th spot on 35points with 2 games to the end of the season.

With the loss, WA All Stars ceded the top spot to Aduana Stars on goals aggregate etc. to set the stage for a photo finish to the title race as they continue their search for their first PL title.

Medeama SC 1-1 Asante Kotoko – Tarkwa

At the Tarkwa T&A Park, Medeama SC failed to capitalize on their home advantage in their bid to break into the top four ranks for the first time this season as they were forced by the visiting Asante Kotoko unit who were putting in a last-minute gasp effort for the title to come back from a goal down for a share of the spoils.

Erik Donkor’s 53^rd minute strike gave the visiting Porcupine Warriors the lead before Bismark Oppong waning moment effort with 7 minutes to the end of the game rescued a point for the home side to deny the Porcupine Warrior the max points and a shot at this year’s title.

The tie dropped Kotoko to the fourth spot, effecting closing their path to the title whilst Medeama SC retained the 5^th spot on 42points.

Hearts of Oak 1-0 Ebusua Dwarfs – Accra

Foovi Aguidi Goal for @HeartsOfOakGH in their 1-0 win v Dwarfs. Hearts fans do u believe u can still win the Title pic.twitter.com/iTvCaLrAF9

— Ghana League Goals (@GHPL_Goals) September 11, 2016

At the Accra Sports Stadium, the post Sergio Traguil coaching era with Yaw Preko in charge started on a winning note as the Phobians ended their 7 game non-winning run with a hard fought lone goal victory over a visiting and determined Ebusua Dwarfs side who lost for the third straight time in as many appearances to spark talks of relegation among the faithful Crab’s fans following a brief resurgence that lifted them from the cellar to the upper half of the log table.

Precious Togolese import – Foovi Aguidi’s – first goal of the season, the result of a beautifully struck free-kick from the edge of the box ended up being what the Phobians needed for just their third home win of the second round as the Crabs huffed and puffed in vain for the equalizer.

The victory boosted whatever slim chances the Phobians have of ending their 7year title drought as they moved to the 3^rd spot on 45points, a full game’s win away from the summit they once held. For Dwarfs the loss threw them back into the fluid relegation chaos, to the 13^th spot on 34points and into a three way tie for the first relegation spot with Inter Allies holding on to the 12^th spot and Techiman City the 14^th.

Aduana Stars 4-0 Techiman City – Dormaa

At the Nana Agyeman Badu Park in Dormaa, hitherto second placed Aduana Stars stayed the course for their second PL title in club history with a 4-0 obliteration of rival Techiman City FC to vault to the summit on 48points over Wa All Stars who dropped valuable points on the road on the day.

A first half 19th minute goal from striker Yahaya Mohammed opened the floodgates before Daniel Darkwa, Bright Adjei and Derrick Sasraku all scored midway through the second half. Yahaya Mohammed missed an opportune chance from the spot to make it a 5-0 rout for the Fire Boys who now remain in strong contention for the title.

For the losing Techiman City crew, the loss dropped them to the first relegation spot and they will have to win their last two remaining games to have a shot at survival.

Berekum Chelsea 2-0 Ashanti Gold – Berekum

At the Golden City Park in Berekum, B. Chelsea continued their effort to beat the drop with an impressive and convincing 2-0 vital win over the visiting dethroned league Champions to move to one spot below mid-table on 37points.

Following a goalless first half Sadiq Haji’s 49^th minute goal after the break gave the hosts the lead before Steven Kakyire converted from the spot to put the game well out of the reach of the struggling AshGold side who lost for the 6^th time this season.

The loss dropped AshGold to the 10^th spot on 36points, just 2points adrift of safety and they will have to win in midweek to avoid a potential tumble into the relegation places.

Dreams FC 0-2 Inter Allies - Dawu

At the Theatre of Dreams, wounded Dreams FC who were looking to get back into the winning column following last week’s 3-1 thumping at the hands of Wa All Stars, instead they yielded to a rare back-to-back loss as they lost at home to hard-pressed relegation threatened Inter Allies to fall to mid-table and end whatever hopes they had of a top four finish.

Frederick Boateng’s solitary 60^th minute opening goal was enough to give Inter Allies their first away win of the season as well as revive their PL survival chances as they improved the 12^th spot on 34points and a three way tie with 2 other clubs for the first relegation spot.

Hasaacas 2-1 WAFA – Sekondi

Sekondi Hasaacas continued their diminishing efforts to avoid relegation despite notching a crucial and vital 2-1 win at home over visiting WAFA, after climbing out of a goal deficit.

Dangerous Togolese goal poacher – Komlan Agbegniadan – who has led the scoring chart for the Academy lads since joining the team in the second round struck the opener to the chagrin of the home fans in the first half before Kingsley Adjei leveled for the under pressure and relegation threatened Hasmal outfit after Kwadwo Poku had missed a 19^th minute chance to draw his side level from the spot. Saliw Babawo gave Hasaacas a shot at redemption and survival with his late winner deep into the second half.

For Hasaacas, it was a brilliant and well-earned victory but they will have to make it count eventually as it wasn’t enough to move them out of the 15^th spot. For WAFA, they remain well above the relegation fray and need just a win to secure themselves against any unexpected eventualities.

New Edubiase 0-1 Bechem United – Bekwai

Relegated New Edubiase failed to give their fans something to at least cheer about as they lost by a lone goal to Bechem Utd at home.

Youngster Osei Bonsu’s last kick of the game gave the Hunters who are now on a ferocious winning run their fifth straight win in their last 5 PL outings to improve to the 6^th spot on 41points.

The Bekwai-based side have already lost the attempt at staving off relegation.

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GPL log at week 28

With no clear favorite to win it all in sight yet, GPL penultimate games will come on in midweek style tomorrow with the stage set for an exciting photo finish to the season as Aduana Stars and Wa All Stars square off for the top spot with Aduana eying revenge as they try to avoid being swept by Wa All Stars after losing to them at home in the first round. And, 3points out of contention Hearts of Oak will look to get back in the title race with a very slim chance that can do with some divine intervention from the ‘soccer gods’. On the bottom end, the pulsating quest to avoid relegation will likely end on the final match day of the season as we seem to have 5 teams awash in the relegation pool - 3 of them tied on 34points for the first relegation spot and needing to up their game to avoid the fate of relegated New Edubiase. More so for Hasaacas who have 33points and for now seem to be in a deeper hole.

Captivatingly, the ‘soccer gods’ could not have presented avid Ghanaian soccer fans with a better two game schedule to close out the season with Hearts of Oak having a slim shot at the title despite all the blown opportunities as the top two teams in the land who are tied for the lead duke it out at Wa’s Malik Jabir Park in the topmost encounter of the day for the right to take full control of the summit with the loser likely falling out of the chase and Hearts of Oak having the perfect opportunity at home to inch closer to the top if they can tame Medeama SC in their second straight game under the guidance of interim coach Yaw Preko. Fourth placed Asante Kotoko will have their hands full as guests of relegation entangled AshGold who need the win badly to assure their stay in tier-one soccer.

The other topmost encounters of the day will be fought on the bottom of the log between relegation engulfed Inter Allies and Liberty Professionals, Techiman City and Hasaacas, Dwarfs vs demoted New Edubiase with the winners of these encounters likely to survive.

Elsewhere, WAFA will host B. Chelsea with both teams needing the win badly to distance themselves from the brewing relegation battle below them, and same goes for Dreams FC who will attempt to avoid a third straight loss as guests of the red hot Bechem Utd.

Dwarfs vs New Edubiase – Cape Coast

From the PL cellar, to the middle and now back into the relegation throes Ebusua Dwarfs will have another shot at saving their season as they play host to relegated New Edubiase who have nothing to play for competitively in this one, except perhaps wreak havoc for the sake of companionship.

A must win game for the Crabs who just made it back to the premiership this season, are tied for the first relegation spot on points with two other teams and have lost their last three games - 2 at home and one on the road. They seem to have the easiest schedule of the three and they need to capitalize to have a shot. Head to head Edubiase has taken 3 of the 5 clashes and it’s time Dwarfs evened things up.

AshGold vs Kotoko – Obuasi

10^th placed and 2points off the first relegation spot struggling dethroned PL champions – AshantiGold – will have the chance to rebound from this past weekend’s 2-0 road beating at the hands of B. Chelsea and to get their relegation survival hopes on course with a victory over rivals Asante Kotoko.

Kotoko ended whatever slim title hopes they had remaining after allowing their hosts – Medeama SC – to climb back into the game for a tie with 7 minutes to go, and the usual competitive atmosphere when these two slides clash is just not there given the directions the two sides are headed this year. 

The onus however remains on AshGold to go for nothing short of the win at home where they are undefeated this second round to avoid falling deep into the relegation brouhaha than they already are.

Head to head, they have split their last 5 meetings with a draw in between. AshGold will likely risk relegation with a loss or a tie.

WAFA vs B. Chelsea – Sogakope

A clash between two teams who look deceptively to be out of the relegation problems but nevertheless need to win to be assured of safety. Chelsea is coming off an impressive 2-0 home win over AshGold whilst their hosts are riding a 3 game non-winning run and need to get back into the winning column at home where they are unbeaten this season for their own safety.

Head to head B. Chelsea has won twice as against WAFA’s one in the 3 meets between them. A tough and uncompromised game awaits as B. Chelsea will like to at worse leave with a point, something WAFA cannot afford in this clash.

Techiman City vs Hasaacas – Techiman

One of the topmost clashes of the day with the loser quite likely signing off on their relegation papers as the two sides lie uncomfortably in the grips of relegation. Hasaacas 15^th on 33points and Techiman 34points on 14^th, a loss will likely throw the loser deeper into the relegation hole.

On paper, it looks like a win for Techiman despite losing some of the brilliant shine they have at home recently given Hasaacas’ poor record. But, they cannot afford to underrate the Hasmal Boys who have their backs against the wall and turned in a brilliant road performance at Medeama recently only to end up picking up a point after going up by 2 goals.

Both sides will definitely be inspired to go for the win given the stakes as Hasaacas looks to build on this past Sunday’s 2-1 home win over WAFA and the Citizens look to bounce back from their 4-0 humiliation at Aduana. Head to head, Hasaacas won the only clash between them 4-2 in the first round at Essipong.

Wa All Stars vs Aduana – Wa Park

In the topmost encounter of the day, the two title hopefuls, who are currently tied for the top spot on 48points apiece with Aduana atop will have the chance to match each other boot for boot or mano a mano with the winner perhaps having an easier path to the ultimate prize as Aduana tries to avoid being swept by their hosts after losing the first fixture at home by a lone goal.

The two contenders are coming off different trajectories this past weekend, Wa All Stars losing on the road by a lone goal to cede the summit to Aduana who tortured their neighbors – Techiman City – in a 4-0 rout.

With the chance for their first ever PL title on the line and a second for Aduana, the two sides have enough to inspire them to go all out for the win. Unfortunately for Aduana, their hosts are undefeated at home this full term, but fortunately for Aduana they have proved themselves worthy road contenders in their last four road games, losing once, winning once and playing to two ties against a credible Kotoko and WAFA side and this can be enough motivation, not to mention the revenge factor as they look to pay their hosts back or at worse leave Wa with a point.

Head to head the two sides have 2 wins apiece and a tie between them. Wa All Stars definitely have the advantage playing at home as Aduana tries to avoid being swept this season.

Inter Allies vs Liberty – Tema                                                                                   

In another of the day’s top encounter, relegation embroiled regional neighbors, 12^th placed Inter Allies who are tied on 34points with 2 other teams for the first relegation spot will slug it out against 11^th placed Liberty Professionals who are just a point away from the first relegation spot. Both teams notched vital wins this past Sunday to improve their chances of avoiding relegation. A match of epic proportions for the two teams who are almost evenly matched with the loser likely falling into the drop zone. Head to head, each side has taken two games out of their last five meets with one ending in a tie. Looks like Inter Allies have the upper hand playing at home but then they cannot afford to sleep on their guests.

Bechem vs Dreams – Bechem

In form Bechem Utd will be looking for their sixth straight win in as many outings as they play host to Dreams FC who will be looking to avoid their third straight loss.

A very promising game for fans as the 8^th placed Dreams FC who have 39points look to push above the fail-safe mark of 41points to avoid any last minute final day surprises. For the red hot hunters who hopped in the relegation places for a while, victory may mean a deserving and possible fourth placed finish should they be able to run the table from here on.

Dreams FC won the very first encounter between the two sides, but they will be hard-pressed to do same at Bechem.

Hearts of Oak vs Medeama - Accra

Accra Hearts of Oak will have the chance to rekindle whatever hope they have left of ending their 7year title drought as they host Medeama SC at the nation’s Wembley in a must win big scoreline match and see what providence can do for them at Wa on Wednesday and Sunday.

Both teams have had their title hopes derailed by circumstances within their control; for the Phobians, it’s been their inability to win at home given their more than decent road record as interim coach Yaw Preko goes in search of back to back home wins for the first time this half of the season, and for Medeama it has more to do with recently dropped points at home against Kotoko and Hasaacas.

Victory for Medeama will largely be about a top four finish while a win for the Phobians may represent a chance to move up to the second spot or draw closer in the race in case of an Aduana or Wa All Stars loss or tie. But they must be able to score more than a goal or two in this match, and that is something they have been barely able to do at home or anywhere all season long. A goal or less per game has largely been their lot.

Head to head, Medeama has the edge having won 2 and tied 2 of the last five meetings between the two sides. Hearts stunned the Yellow and Mauves by 2 goals to nothing in their season opener at Tarkwa and they seem to have the advantage in this one playing at home, but it remains to be seen if they can capitalize.

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 Penultimate GPL games were played at the various stadiums this afternoon in midweek style with Wa All Stars completing the season’s sweep over hitherto first placed visiting Aduana Stars as they defeated the latter for the second time this season to annex their first ever PL title in club history in a hard-fought 2-1 victory. Accra Hearts of Oak continued their miserable run at home as they lost for the umpteenth time at home this season, this time to Medeama SC by a lone goal to shut the window on the tiny sliver of hope they had at an upset that wouldn’t have mattered anyway as Wa All Stars won at home to put themselves in the driver’s seat for the title. And dethroned PL Champions – AshGold - secured their stay in the premiership division in an eight goal-thriller that saw 3 penalty kicks being awarded and Kotoko losing by five goals to three.

In their final game of the 2015/16 GPL season, relegated Sekondi Hasaacas created some memorable memories from the very field they will attempt to launch their reentry to tier-one soccer as they trounced this season’s Champions – Wa All Stars – who were crowned champions after the match by three goals to nothing in a purely academic match to give their teeming fans something to cheer about at the exit.

Match Day 2 of the Ghana Premier League ended this weekend with some unexpected results and eye-popping numbers. Some of the records and numbers date back to the last PL season.

The enthusiasm and energy generated in attendance at the various stadiums thus far in the Ghana Premier League has been more than expected but the goals tally has failed to keep pace, perhaps, a case of defenses getting stingier by the match day or a case of our strikers just failing to connect or just plain forgetting that fans just love to see the goals.

The ongoing Ghana Premier League continue to churn out some interesting statistics, below are a few of them.

19 - New Edubiase have dropped the most points at home. (5 wins and 4 draws in 12 games), Followed by Ashgold, dropped 18 points at home.

7 - No defender has scored more goals than Kotoko captain Amos Frimpong.

10 - Ashanti Gold have scored 10 goals at home, less than Yahaya Mohammed's total tally this season (14).

30 - WAFA and All Stars have won the most points at home 30 out of 36. Dropped only six points.

21 - No team has won more away points than Hearts of Oak this season. Closest is Kotoko who have 14 points.

6 - No player has scored more goals (6) in the second round than WAFA's Komla Agbeniadan.

6 - Togolese international Komla Agbeniadan leads foreign players with the most goals in the league this season.

380 - Total goals scored after Match Day 24. An average of 2 goals per game.

*New Edubiase United have won only 2 of their last 14 premier league matches. (W2 D4 L8).

*WAFA SC are winless in their last 20 away fixtures in the premier league. Last victory dates back to April 2015 against Inter Allies.

25 - This season has produced more away wins (25) than last season (24) 115 - Total home wins.

5 - Isaac Baah (Techiman City) has scored 5 goals this season. 3 for his club and 2 against his club.

4 - Ebusua Dwarfs have won more games (4) than any other club in the last 6 Match Days.

35 - Hasaacas have the worse defence in the league. Conceded 35 goals.

*Hearts of Oak have managed to keep only 5 clean sheets at home.

*Techiman City FC have conceded in each of their 12 away games.

*Hearts of Oak have won just 3 of their last 10 matches.

*Ashgold have lost only 1 of their last 14. Unbeaten in their last 8. (W3 D10 L1).

There won’t be much rest for the weary nor enough time for struggling teams to mull things over in the Ghana Premier League as Week Three beckons this midweek with loads of excitement on the schedule, as Accra Hearts of Oak look to turn their season around as guests of Ebusua Dwarfs, and Champions Aduana Stars clash with runner-ups from last year, WAFA.

 With the match between Hearts of Oak and Ebusua Dwarfs scheduled for tomorrow and the match between B. Chelsea and Elmina Sharks postponed, Ghana Premier League leaders, AshantiGold, retained their 2points advantage at the top with a win over Karela FC, and WAFA kept the chase close with their first ever win over defending champions, Aduana Stars.

So far, it’s been six days of grueling action, surprises, and excitement for the nation’s Premier League teams, and their teeming fans between Match Day 02 and 03. The exhilaration will definitely go up a notch this weekend, as the physical and mental toughness of the players is put under stress, on just about four days or so of rest with a lot on the line.

 Match day 04 of the ongoing Ghana Premier League concluded with a couple of interesting firsts of the season. Leaders, AshantiGold, saw their three-game winning run come to an end, and Elmina Sharks finally defeated WAFA to end their winless start to the season, as well as their two straight game losing run to the Academy Lads, dating back to last season.

 Match Day 05 of the Ghana Premier League will come on as scheduled this weekend with some exciting fixtures as unbeaten AshantiGold collide with Asante Kotoko in the Ashanti Derby with the summit on the line and Berekum Chelsea take on a rejuvenated Hearts of Oak side with hopes of grabbing their first win of the season.

Match Day 05 of the Ghana Premier League got underway yesterday without any winners as Wa All Stars and Elmina Sharks played to a 1-1 tie in the first match of the day. Ebusua Dwarfs and Bechem United also replicated the scoreline in the second match of the day, all at Obuasi’s Len Clay Stadium.

Following a very stunning Week 05 that saw traditional giants, Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko, succumb to their second defeat of the very young season, AshGold strengthen their grip at the helm, and Liberty Professionals win for the first time this season on their fourth attempt, Week 06 of the Ghana Premier League which comes on this midweek promises to be very interesting with some tricky fixtures on the schedule.

With the final fixture of Week 06 between Karela FC and Berekum Chelsea set for Thursday, the first day of midweek skirmishes concluded with the termination of a couple of records, as Liberty Professionals ended AshantiGold’s unbeaten start to the season with a late winner and underdogs, Medeama SC, ended WAFA’s 46-game unbeaten home record at the Sogakope Red Bull Arena with a 2-1.

Week 07 of the Ghana Premier League will come on this Saturday and Sunday with several attention-grabbing fixtures on the schedule and some must win matches for several hosts.

With five matches set for tomorrow, Elmina Sharks continued their impressive run with a comfortable 2-1 win over Accra Hearts of Oak on Saturday. And in the late match of the day, also at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium, Medeama edged visiting Inter Allies by a lone goal.

The Ghana Premier League will cross the halfway mark of the first round this midweek with traditional giants Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko still searching for a consistent winning formula and hoping to avoid back to back losses as they come up against an energetic Karela FC side and a wobbly B. Chelsea side in that order.

The Ghana Premier League crossed the halfway mark of the first round this midweek with traditional giants, Hearts of Oak and Kotoko still looking for the winning formula. But it was the Phobians, who had it worst, as Karela FC came from a goal down to hand them a sound 3-1 spanking, while Asante Kotoko managed to come back from a goal down to split the spoils with visiting Berekum Chelsea at home.

The Ghana Premier League will morph into Week 09 this weekend with the match between two of the recently promoted clubs; year one side Karela FC and year two side Elmina Sharks, both of whom hold one of the best record in the league at this point taking center stage.

 Ghana Premier League leaders, AshantiGold, extended their unbeaten record at home to five straight games on Saturday with a battling lone goal over Inter Allies to hold on to the summit.

Match Day ten of the Ghana Premier League will come on as scheduled tomorrow with a lot of excitement in the air as slumping Accra Hearts of Oak and archrivals Asante Kotoko seize the limelight in the sole match set for Super Sunday in the first of two highly anticipated clashes between the nation’s two most decorated clubs, both of whom continue to look for their glorious days of yore.

Ahead of ‘Super Sunday’, tomorrow’s clash between Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak, Premier League leaders, Ashanti Gold SC saw their run atop the leaderboard stalled on Saturday as hosts, Medeama SC,  bested them by 2 goals to one for just their second loss of the season.

Week 10 of the Ghana Premier League came on as scheduled this afternoon in midweek style across the various stadiums with the thrills surpassing expectations as WAFA built on their new found title-contendership status at the Sogakope Red Bull Arena with a 3-0 rout of 2014/15 GPL Champions – AshantiGold to take over the summit with a 2point advantage over the closest competition.

Match Day 11 of the Ghana Premier League will come on this Wednesday and Thursday with the pressure on title hopeful side, AshGold, to rebound from this past weekend’s loss against Medeama SC, as well as hold on to the Premier League summit, as they play host to Eleven Wonders at the Len Clay Stadium tomorrow.

Thrown to the summit of the Ghana Premier League on the wings of a record three game winning run and by default into the status of title contenders - the extremely talented Academy Lads – WAFA – will find themselves ‘marked’ and living under the pressures that life atop the log brings with it as Week 11 of the GPL beckons with some exciting games this weekend.

Match Day 11 of the Ghana Premier came on as scheduled this midweek with Premier League leaders, Ashanti Gold, living up to the pressure at home with a hard-fought lone goal win over Eleven Wonders in their encounter at the Len Clay Stadium.

Year two Premier League side, Elmina Sharks, will have the chance to make a push for a top-four spot tomorrow as they welcome table-toppers, AshantiGold, to their turf in the topmost encounter of Match Day 12 as The Miners look to avoid a third straight loss at the hands of their guests, as well as beat off competition from co-leaders, Dreams FC.

The Ghana Premier League will enter Week 12 this Easter weekend with leaders – West African Football Academy (WAFA) – having the perfect opportunity at home to extend their current record team winning streak to five consecutive games as they welcome bottom side – Bolga All Stars – to Sogakope.

Ashanti Gold SC saw their lead atop the Ghana Premier League leaderboard stymied as they were held to a goalless tie by Elmina Sharks in their Match Day 12 fixture played at the Nduom Sports Complex in Elmina on Saturday. 

 The rechristened Ghana Premier League will return from its short break this midweek as the Zylofon Cash Premier League following the signing of a new sponsorship deal between the GFA and Zylofon Media with Tarkwa based Medeama SC at the helm and hitherto leaders AshantiGold in second place.

Week 13 of the Ghana Premier League got underway as scheduled this midweek with leaders, Medeama SC, going down by two goals to one in their match against Berekum Chelsea at the Golden City Park. But they held on to the top spot by virtue of goal difference over Dreams FC.

Week 13 of the Ghana Premier Football League came on as scheduled this midweek with West African Football Academy (WAFA) recording a club record sixth consecutive Premier League win with a 2-1 win over visiting Liberty Professionals to hold on to the summit on 29points. Three points better than second placed Aduana Stars.

Penultimate matches of the first half of the 2016/17 Ghana Premier League season will continue tomorrow with six matches on the schedule, including an exciting top-four derby clash, as Hearts of Oak readies to host GPL leaders – WAFA – on Monday to complete the schedule for Week 14 that was kicked off with the match between Gt. Olympics and Asante Kotoko this past Saturday.

Penultimate matches of the first half of the 2016/17 Ghana Premier League season (GPL) will come on this weekend with 6 matches (including a top-four encounter) sandwiched between compelling standalone clashes featuring Gt. Olympics against Asante Kotoko on Saturday and a top-four clash between Accra Hearts of Oak and GPL leaders – West Africa Football Academy (WAFA) - on Monday.

The Ghana Premier League will continue this midweek following a brief pause this past weekend for the MTN FA Cup Round of 64 matches with several interesting and rivalry matches on the schedule.

Week 14 of the Ghana Premier League will continue this Monday, with new Phobian boss – Frank Nuttal – and his club having the chance to test their recent successes and home invincibility against the high-flying Klaavs Rasmussen led WAFA outfit that is high on a record 6 consecutive game winning run.

With the match between Accra Gt Olympics and Asante Kotoko out of the way, and Hearts of Oak and WAFA idle until tomorrow, Week 14 of the GPL season came on as scheduled with a couple of stunning results.

The Ghana Premier League returned this midweek following a brief pause this past weekend for the MTN FA Cup Round of 64 matches, with Wa All Stars digging themselves deeper into the Premier League cellar, following a 4-1 rout at the hands of Medeama SC.

Ultimate matches of the first half of the 2016/17 Ghana Premier Football League will come on as scheduled across the various stadiums this weekend with a trio of exciting derbies headlining the fixtures.

With the exception of several outstanding matches, the first half of this year’s edition of the Ghana Premier League will come to an end this weekend, with a number of teams in dire need of victory to set a good tone for the second round.

Final matches of the first round of the 2016/17 Ghana Premier League season got underway this past Saturday with leaders - West African Football Academy – rebounding nicely at home as they held off visiting Inter Allies by a pair of goals to close out the first half of the season on top of the log with 32points, two better than the pursuing Aduana Stars.

The first round of the 2017/18 Ghana Premier League concluded this weekend, with one spot off the bottom, Ebusua Dwarfs, unable to secure the much needed win on Saturday, but they managed a crucial point to keep their press out of the bottom places alive.

Action in the nation’s Premier League will resume this weekend following a short break with the pairings looking just like it did in in Week 15 that saw several thrilling rivalry matches as the schedule is set in the immediate reverse order with teams starting off the second half of the 2016/17 season against the last team they played to end the first half.

The Ghana Premier Football League will continue into Week 17 this weekend with a thrilling top 4 encounter, a couple of derbies, several revenge encounters, and a couple of must win matches for the bottom teams on the schedule as the competition picks up in heat and intensity on the top as well as on the bottom.

Week 17 of the Ghana Premier League came on as scheduled with some stunning results; WAFA whitewashed visiting Accra Hearts of Oak by 5 goals to nothing in a match that bore no resemblance to the top-four encounter that it was to reclaim the premier league top spot following B. Chelsea’s come from behind late win over hitherto table-toppers Aduana Stars on Saturday. Wonder Club, Accra Gt. Olympics and AshGold continue to show progress towards avoiding relegation, but Tema Youth and Bolga All Stars seem stuck in reverse mode as they failed to make major headway at home.

In a perfect display of counter attacking skills, Tema Youth put some distance between themselves and the Ghana Premier League bottom places following a painful 4-0 thumping of neighbors – Accra Gt. Olympics – in their Week 18 clash at the Accra Sports Stadium this afternoon.

The Ghana Premier League will continue into Week 19 this weekend following a short break for the MTN FA Cup Round of 16 matches with West African Football Academy (WAFA) holding a 2point advantage at the helm over the pursuing Aduana Stars and perennial contenders Accra Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko adrift of the top spot by a respective 6 and 10points. Bolga All Stars remain bottommost with Gt. Oly and AshGold with 19points apiece trying to claw their way out of the drop zone.

Ghana Premier League Champions – Wa All Stars – saw their fast fading chances of a successful title defense take another tumble as they went down by two goals to one to Asante Kotoko in the opening match of Match Day 19 played at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi yesterday.

Match day 20 of the Ghana Premier League will come on this midweek following a quick turnaround from this past Sunday’s schedule with the chase for the premier league title and the battle to avoid relegation all picking up in intensity.

Match day twenty of the Ghana Premier League came on as scheduled this midweek with a couple of stunning results as Accra Hearts of Oak and Ebusua Dwarfs lost for the first time at home this season to fall behind in the title chase.

Week 21 of the Ghana Premier League got off to a stunning start yesterday as underdogs Cape Coast Mysterious Ebusua Dwarfs stunned Tema Youth FC by two goals to one for their first away win of the season.

The Ghana Premier League will continue with week 22 this midweek with some intriguing matches on the schedule as leaders – WAFA – go for the double and control of the top spot against Bechem United.

Week 22 of the Ghana Premier League ended up being more intriguing than anticipated. Elmina Sharks scored a stunning road win over Liberty Profs, Wa All Stars pegged Aduana’s title hopes back with a 3-1 drubbing, and Inter Allies ended Kotoko’s 8 game unbeaten run with a lone goal win.

Week 23 of the Ghana Premier League will come on as scheduled this weekend with the ‘Super Clash’ between Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko postponed indefinitely following the involvement of the latter’s team bus in a fatal accidentthat took the life of the team’s equipment manager, Mr. George K. Asare, and left several officials and players severely injured.

With the Super Clash between Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko postponed indefinitely, Week 23 of the Ghana Premier League came on as scheduled with Berekum Chelsea snapping out of their five-game non-winning streak with a 2-1 win over visiting title hopefuls, WAFA, who picked up their first defeat this half of the season. 

Week 24 of the Ghana Premier League came on as scheduled this afternoon with the derbies between four of the teams based in the nation’s capital providing some intrigues as Accra Hearts of Oak avenged their first round 2-1 loss to Tema Youth and relegation threatened Accra Gt. Olympics pulled a lone goal stunner on Inter Allies to inject some life into their bid to escape looming relegation.

The Ghana Premier League will continue with Match Day 25 this weekend following a month long hiatus. The long break saw the clearing of all outstanding matches with WAFA and Asante as the last two Premier League teams in action this past Wednesday. The latter lost by two goals to nothing.

Following the exciting return of the Ghana Premier League this past weekend that saw another musical chairs dance between WAFA and Aduana Stars for the summit, and the narrowing of the points differentials between the top three teams, the tension and drama will reach another crescendo this midweek.

Week 26 of the Ghana Premier League came on as scheduled this midweek with several exciting games and spectacular outcomes; a six goal-fest match between Hearts of Oak and Aduana Stars, a seven goal-fest match between AshGold and B. Chelsea, a pulsating goalless tie between title hopeful side – WAFA - and relegation threatened Gt. Olympics, a lone goal loss for Asante Kotoko that in the end left the Premier League top four spots unchanged, and two bungled spot kicks by Inter Allies.

The Ghana Premier League will return this midweek following a month’s break that saw the Black Stars team B, composed of players from the local league win the WAFU tournament. The break also saw a decision on pending MTN FA Cup semifinal matches with Hearts of Oak edging Wa All Stars by two goals to one to set up a grand finale showdown with archrivals Asante Kotoko defeated Medeama by a lone goal.

With Asante Kotoko and Medeama SC set to take on AshGold and Liberty Professionals tomorrow, the Ghana Premier League made an intriguing comeback this midweek with leaders Aduana Stars edging WAFA by a lone goal for sole command of the top spot.

Ghana Premier League leaders – Aduana Stars – will have the chance to hold off the competition and move a step closer towards winning their second title after playing second best to last year’s winner – Wa All Stars – as Week 28 beckons this Sunday with excitement on the top as well as the bottom of the log.

Penultimate matches of the 2016/17 Ghana Premier League season will come on as scheduled tomorrow with Aduana Stars poised to haul in their second Ghana Premier League title in club history.

Penultimate matches of the 2016/17 Ghana Premier League season came on as scheduled this afternoon with league leaders – Aduana Stars – avoiding the upset at home, as they roared back from a goal down for the win, and the Premier League title with a game to go.

Season ending matches for this year’s edition of the Ghana Premier League will come on this Sunday with all the intrigue on the bottom half of the Premier League table, as the relegation drama heads off into a photo finish with Accra Gt. Olympics and Tema Youth hoping to stave off looming relegation in the Brong Ahafo Region, as guests of Bechem United, and Berekum Chelsea respectively.

Ultimate matches of this year’s edition of the Ghana Premier League matches came on as expected with relegation threatened Accra Gt. Olympics and Tema Youth securing their exit from the Premiership after going down on the road to Bechem United and Berekum Chelsea respectively.

Ghana Premier League leaders and title hopefuls – Aduana Stars – stayed the course of winning their maiden GPL title on Saturday with an impressive road performance that saw them maintain their unbeaten start at the vaunted Red Bull Arena at Sogakope as they forced the precocious academy youngsters to come from a goal down for a share of the spoils in their opening GPL week 4 fixture. Richmond Lamptey’s equalizer, four minutes after the half salvaged a point for WAFA after Sam Adams’ strike on 29minutes had given the visitors lead.

Ghana Premier League leaders and last year’s runner-up - Aduana Stars – once again signaled their coming of age and determination to annex their first Premier League title with a comfortable 2-0 demolition of hitherto unbeaten visiting Accra Hearts of Oak to hold on to the summit on 13points.

Week 8 of the Ghana Premier League will come on this weekend with six matches scheduled for Saturday. Struggling Hearts of Oak will host bitter rivals Asante Kotoko in the first leg of this year’s ‘Super Clash’ on Sunday. Inter Allies and Tema Youth will round off the Week on Monday.

With the much anticipated clash between the Premier League leading title hopefuls – Aduana Stars - and hurting Champions – Wa All Stars - who suffered a humiliating 4-1 home thumping this past weekend in their outstanding match against WAFA postponed, title contenders – Kumasi Asante Kotoko – will have the chance to take over the top spot as they go for the rebound at home following their lone goal loss to rivals – Hearts of Oak – in the Super Clash against Inter Allies on Sunday as hardworking – Elmina Stars – jumpstarts Week 9 at home on Saturday against Liberty Professionals with the chance to break into the ranks of the top four.

Zylofon Cash Premier League side, Inter Allies, have parted ways with their Japanese-American head coach, Kenichi Yatsuhashi, according to a report posted on the team’s website yesterday.

The management of Ghana Premier League side, Inter Allies, have expressed their sincere appreciation to Dreams Football Club for allowing their Head Coach - Abdul Karim Zito - to take over the technical part of their team.

Accra Hearts of Oak lived up to their 'never say die', motto and proved the pundits wrong as they ended their three-game skid in the ongoing Ghana Premier League with a lone goal win over archrivals, Kumasi Asante Kotoko, in their thrilling Match Day 10 clash dubbed the ‘Super Clash’ played at the Baba Yara Stadium this afternoon.

Written by Musah Yahya Jafaru - On numerous occasions when I return home after watching an European football match, usually the English Premier League (EPL) or the Spanish La Liga with friends, I meet my wife and children watching soap operas with mime translations in the local Akan language.