The 2017/18 Ghana Premier League finally kicked off with Inter Allies recording the biggest winning margin to top the log after beating Bechem United 3-0 on Saturday.
Six more games followed Sunday – recording three wins and three stalemates. Seven goals were produced in the seven games played in the opening weekend as the Aduana Stars vs Liberty Professionals fixture remained outstanding due to the former’s involvement in the Caf Champions League.
Newly-promoted sides recorded mixed results – Dreams FC left it late to beat Elmina Sharks; Karela got beaten by Ebusua Dwarfs while Techiman Eleven Wonders recovered to hold Hearts of Oak at home.
The games:
WAFA SC 1-1 Kotoko
A well-taken free-kick by starlet Aminu Mohammed just under 4 minutes gave WAFA SC the lead. The Academy boys looked pumped up to batter their visitors at the Red Bull Arena as they threatened the opposing half in the first 15 minutes. But the Porcupine Warriors contained the pressure and pegged back in the 18th minute. A feeble effort on goal by midfielder Jordan Opoku found the path of Yakubu Mohammed who brilliantly redirected the ball to the left side of goalkeeper Richmond Ayi. 1-1. As the game progressed, Kotoko began to sit back and attack on the counter. They nearly conceded an own goal in the final minutes when new boy Emmanuel Owusu decided to flick behind but the ball was goal-bound, forcing goalkeeper Felix Annan to stretch to his elastic limit to parry the ball away. That was enough to hand Kotoko a rare point from Sogakope as referee Charles Bulu soon blew his final whistle to end the game 1-1. WAFA midfielder Prosper Dayegbe Ahiabu was voted NASCO man-of-the-match.
XI Wonders 1-1 Hearts
Good old Alex Asamoah denied Hearts of Oak three points as he headed home the equalizer from close range in the 55th minute for Premier League new boys Techiman Eleven Wonders at the Nana Ameyaw Park. The Phobians took the lead in the first half from the spot. Attacker Joseph Esso won the Phobians a penalty which was expertly taken by talisman Winful Cobbinah on 8 minutes. Alex Asamoah capped his goal feat with the NASCO man-of-the-match award.
AshantiGold 1-0 Wa All Stars
Shaifu Mumuni made the difference as recent league winners AshantiGold and Wa All Stars clashed on opening day at the Len Clay Stadium in Obuasi. Mumuni netted in the 19 minute to hand coach CK Akunnor’s men a winning start. Defender Tijani Joshua received the NASCO man-of-the-match award for his outstanding performance in the game.
Ebusua Dwarfs 1-0 Berekum Chelsea
After holding their own in the first half, the visitors were undone by a 55th minute penalty which got converted by Joseph Amoah Mensah. Dwarfs managed to keep the lead despite forceful efforts for the equalizer by Berekum Chelsea. The NASCO man-of-the-match was handed Abu Naba Ableke of Ebusua Dwarfs.
Dreams FC 1-0 Elmina Sharks
A late Zuberu Sharani goal handed returnees full points against Elmina Sharks at the Dawu Park. The young forward registered his first goal in the topflight two minutes from time. The NASCO man-of-the-match went to Sharks winger Richard Mpong.
Medeama 1-0 Karela United
Kwame Boateng carried his rich pre-season form into the new campaign and grabbed the only goal for Medeama as they defeated Karela United by a lone goal. The striker, who joined the Mauve and Yellows after his release by Kotoko, struck as early as the 8th minute at the T&A Park in Tarkwa. Karela’s Ivorian midfielder Jean Vital emerged NASCO Man-of-the-match.
Inter Allies 3-0 Bechem United
Inter Allies’ three goals against Bechem United on Saturday was just enough to keep them atop the league log. Dan Amanfo began the rout in the 51st minute after coming off the bench. Nigerien import Victorien Adje Adebayor then struck twice in the 58th and 74th minutes to ensure a perfect start for himself and new club Inter Allies. It was a brace on a Ghana Premier League debut and a NASCO man-of-the-match award for Adebayor.
Aduana vs Liberty (Postponed)
This game could not come off due to Aduana’s Caf inter-club duty.
NASCO MAN OF THE MATCH AWARDS
Inter Allies 3-0 Bechem | Victorien Adje Adebayor
WAFA SC 1-1 Kotoko | Prosper Dayegbe Ahiabu
XI Wonders 1-1 Hearts | Alex Asamoah
AshantiGold 1-0 Wa All Stars | Tijani Joshua
Ebusua Dwarfs 1-0 Berekum Chelsea | Abu Naba Alebke
Dreams FC 1-0 Elmina Sharks | Richard Mpong
Medeama 1-0 Karela Utd | Jean Vital Ourega
