The Ghana Premier League second spherical started on Saturday, January 25, 2024, with an enormous win for Accra Lions, who beat Medeama.
Sunday noticed the opposite 16 sides within the league battle it out, with Kotoko large winners, Hearts of Oak stumbling and Bechem United writing their very own story.
3Sports takes a have a look at 5 speaking factors from the weekend’s motion.
League leaders Kotoko fundamental title favourites
Asante Kotoko went prime of the league for the primary time this season following a 1-0 win over Karela United.
The Porcupine Warriors have been spectacular of their final seven video games, successful six and drawing one.
Ordinarily, their startling wins of their final seven video games ought to set them heading in the right direction for the league crown.
However, they’re on 34 factors, yet one more than second-place GoldStars.
Nonetheless, the chances are closely caught within the favour of Kotoko to carry the crown.
Although there’s a throttle of video games to be performed, Asante Kotoko’s experience and expertise ought to see them over the road.
The final time the Porcupine Warriors gained the league, the 2021/22 season, their present coach (Prosper Ogum) was on the helm.
Additionally, Kotoko have bolstered their squad, made vital changes, shipped out undesirable gamers, introduced in gamers, and are having fun with their reward.
Goals dry up for inconsistent Hearts of Oak
Hearts of Oak had been held to a goalless draw on Sunday in opposition to Basake Holy Stars, a outcome which leaves the Phobians on 30 factors and in sixth place.
Much of Hearts’ insipid performances in current weeks have been all the way down to an absence of leading edge.
The Phobians have struggled to place away their possibilities in current weeks.
In reality, Hearts of Oak are the lowest-scoring facet among the many prime 6 golf equipment (16) and are but to attain a aim of their final two matches.
Hearts have managed to attain one aim of their final three video games.
There’s been an overreliance on Hamza Issah, who has typically blown cold and hot.
He has scored 4 objectives, which equates to 25% of the staff’s objectives.
At the speed at which the groups on prime of Hearts are successful, the Phobians must be constant as a way to have an opportunity of successful their first league crown for the reason that 2020/21 season.
GoldStars endure shock defeat to relinquish prime spot
Bibiani GoldStars had been surprised on the University of Ghana Stadium on Sunday as relegation-threatened Legon Cities cruised previous them.
GoldStars missed out on extending their lead on the prime of the desk after conceding a second-half aim to the house facet.
As a results of the outcome, GoldStars, who want to win a first-ever Ghana Premier League title, are second within the league.
Their title credentials will actually be examined of their subsequent 5 video games, the place they play Samartex, Basake Holy Stars, Heart of Lions, Bechem United, and Nations FC.
GoldStars’ loss is a large setback, particularly in opposition to struggling Legon Cities.
The path and plan from coach Frimpong Maanso and his facet is to bounce again as rapidly as potential
Red-hot Bechem thrust themselves into title dialog
Bechem United are but to lose a league recreation since October 2024!
That’s mind-blowing. Although Bechem misplaced 3-0 to Basake Holy Stars, technically they didn’t lose in 90 minutes.
The defeat was because of the staff failing to point out up within the recreation and dealing with the penalty for his or her actions.
It has not simply been about their normal kind.
At dwelling, Bechem have been a pressure to reckon with, successful seven video games and drawing two of their 9 video games performed.
Bechem are but to concede a aim since they final did on the final day of final season in opposition to Hearts of Oak.
Bechem are lurking with intent and can pounce on any openings from Kotoko or GoldStars.
Heart of Lions return to successful methods
After a run of two successive defeats, Heart of Lions fought their method to a hard-earned 2-1 win over Aduana FC.
Coach Bashir Hayford’s facet are at the moment joint second with 33 factors. The Kpando facet are striving to win their first league title.
A robust defence, plus attacking effectivity have led Lions to the place they’re. The league is on no account a finished deal for Kotoko or GoldStars who’re above the Kpando-based membership.
A stern conflict awaits Lions, who journey to Accra to tackle Hearts of Oak earlier than video games in opposition to Dreams FC, GoldStars, Medeama and Vision FC.