This weekend’s games in the Ghana Premier League witnessed the lowest number of goals recorded thus far this campaign with 11 goals. Almost half (5) of those goals came in one game; Hearts of Oak’s thrilling win at Inter Allies.
Here, footy-ghana’s Fentuo Tahiru brings you 5 talking points from week 5 of the Ghana premier league:
Hearts of Oak show title-winning credentials
If there’s one major talking point from this weekend, or better still, the whole of this season, it’s been Hearts of Oak’s sensational start to the campaign. Many, including myself, were quick to point out that it was too early to conclude that Hearts were genuine title contenders. We had our reasons. It was only 4 games into the season. But with what we witnessed in Tema, I am more than convinced that Hearts of Oak have already shown that they came survive in all kinds of situations. All season, coming from behind is not something Hearts of Oak have done. In all of the games they’ve won, they’ve taken the lead and have gone on to grind out the result. But against Inter Allies, they showed one aspect of every title-winning side-character. To go 2 goals down away from home with 22mins remaining in the game, and come back in such sensational style, Hearts of Oak are definitely the team to beat. For me, they look miles ahead of everyone so far.
AshantiGold are draw experts
AshantiGold have now draw 4 of their 5 matches played so far this season. Even though the miners are yet to lose a game, draws are certainly not what would make them retain their league title. Comparatively, Ashgold won 4 of their opening 5 games last season, and were sitting comfortably at the top of the table. This term however, those 4 draws have ensured they languish in 7th, 6 points adrift of leaders Hearts of Oak. Worse still, those draws have come in such boring manner, the miners look almost unrecognizable from the team that won the league playing such breathtaking football.
Techiman City walking the talk
Before the start of the premier league, CEO of Techiman City was quite vocal in asserting that they would make their home grounds in Techiman, the Nana Ameyaw Park, an impenetrable fortress. So far, that’s exactly what they have done. 3 games at home, 3 wins, 3 goals. Now while many expected the experienced Stephen Manu to be stealing the headlines in Techiman, it’s a certain Baba “John” Mahama who has impressed many, scoring the only goal of the game to end Dreams FC’s unbeated run. To be fair, Dreams FC were very unlucky on the day, hitting the woodwork at least twice, and having a goal disallowed in controversial circumstances. Those three goals that have given Techiman three wins and 9 points, have come from three different players: Issaka Ibrahim (vs Chelsea), Stephen Manu (vs Aduana) and Baba Mahama (vs Dreams). Techiman City will be a difficult grounds to visit for any team in the premier league.
Redemption in the rain for Kotoko
It took 5 games before Kotoko fans could finally celebrate a win this season, and it came amidst 90mins of being soaked in the pouring rain. For the porcupine family, every single drop of that battering rain was worth it. The Kotoko fans won the admiration of many people when they defied the rain to stick behind their team for a first win. Duncan’s team still looked far from the team he envisages but those 3 points should serve as a massive confidence booster for their next trip. And they will need that confidence, because they will need it when they travel to Aduana next.
360 minutes without a goal for Dwarfs
Ebusua Dwarfs now remain the only team yet to score a goal in this season’s premier league. It’s been 4 matches now without a goal for JE Sarpong’s side. For a side that has the top scorer from division one last season Bright Lukman on their cards, this is quite a startling statistic. 360 minutes of football without a goal is drab. That’s 6 hours of playing football without scoring. 6 HOURS! And it doesn’t get easier for the Cape Coast-based team as their next game is away to Medeama in Tarkwa. In all possibility, that could be an additional 90mins without a goal. It doesn’t look for JE Sarpong and it will surprise no one if he becomes the second coach to walk away from his job.
