Match Day 19 Wrap: Hearts claim top spot, Kotoko and Aduana held at home

By: Kofi Amoah

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Ghana Premier League match day 19 ended at seven (7) league centers with the exception of Medeama and Techiman City game, due to the Tarkwa-based club involvement in continental duties.

Match day 19 will be recorded among the weeks with the least amount of goals churn out. The only surprise was Dreams FC piping Liberty Professionals at the Carl Reindolf Park. We had nine (9) goals recorded with four (4) scored by visiting teams and five (5) for the home side – two (2) away victories and two (2) draws were produced.

The Baba Yara Stadium saw frustration written all over the faces of the Porcupine Warriors players after full time, having played a pulsating game with Bechem United, the Hunters they call them. Kotoko had won 0-1 in the first round and were seeking to do a double and probably go top of the league table with news of league leaders Wa All Stars being thumped in Sogakope. Bechem had not won an away game in 24 league matches prior to the game, drawn four (4) and lost 20. Their last win was a 2-3 against Amidaus Professional. After resulting to series of delays and feigning injuries, they walked away with a point from Kumasi as the game ended goalless.

The Sekondi Stadium on the other hand proved good breeding grounds for Hearts of Oak coach Sergio Traquil after technically picking his first win in Ghana’s elite division. A sigh of relief for the Portuguese I believe. Cosmos Dauda made sure Hearts unbeaten away record was kept intact and traveled back to Accra with all the three points. They have won five (5) and drawn five (5), scored 12 and conceded six (6). His 59^th minute goal and personal 8^th goal of the season was enough for the Phobians to boost their confidence for a date against their bitterest rivals Asante Kotoko next week. Hasaacas has suffered their 2^nd home defeat at home, after earlier losing 0-1 to Liberty in the first round. Hearts of Oak occupies top of the league table with 34 points, above second placed Wa All Stars (32) and Asante Kotoko (32).

Another record was kept intact at the Sogakope Park. WAFA have gone 10 matches at home without a defeat, recording seven (7) victories and three (3) draws. In-addition, they have conceded just three goals at home and scored 16 goals. Midfielder Kennedy Boateng shot the home side ahead before Komlan Agbeniadan added the second goal to make it 2-0 in the first half. Matthew Andoh reduced the deficit in the 65^th minute but Wa All Stars could not pull even. The league leaders lost the game by two goals to one.

However, the story at the Berekum Golden City Park got worse for travelling Ebusua Dwarfs. Their intentions of picking at least a point saw it quashed away with Stephen Owusu’s only goal in the first half getting them stacked at the relegation zone, 14^th on the league table with 10 points.

Aduana Stars recorded their second draw at home in the league after a one all draw with another relegation threaten New Edubiase. They have won seven (7) matches at home whiles Edubiase have lost their last three away matches conceding six (6) goals. New signing Nathaniel Ohene Asamoah scored his first goal for Aduana in 347 days (11 months 12 days). His last league goal was against WAFA at the Tarkwa TNA Park for Medeama, as they won 2-1. He scored the equalizer after Zakaria Mumuni had opened the scoring for the Sogakope lads on 5^th of August last year, a mid-week encounter. James Boadu restored parity for the travelers to hand them a point at the Dormaa Park.

Liberty Professionals suffered their third home defeat in the league after succumbing to the killer instinct and magical touch from Eric Gawu, who scored the only goal of the afternoon. That was their 4^th away win, lost five (5) and drawn one (1) in 10 away matches.

Gladly, we are witnessing some flashes of light at the end of the tunnel with the current league holders Ashanti Gold. They have accounted for their second successive win at home. Generally won three (3), drawn five (5) and lost two (2). They have kept as many as five (5) clean sheets in their last five home matches. Allies on the flip side is yet to win an away match in 14 games. Their last win was a 0-2 victory against BA Stars (18^th July 2015). Emmanuel Osei Baffour scored for the Miners in the second half to enable them pick all the three points.

Match Day 19 Results

Asante Kotoko 0-0 Bechem United

Sekondi Hasaacas 0-1 Hearts of Oak

B. Chelsea 1-0 Ebusua Dwarfs

WAFA 2-1 Wa All Stars

Aduana Stars 1-0 New Edubiase

Liberty Prof 0-1 Dreams FC

Ashanti Gold 1-0 Inter Allies

Techiman City pp Medeama SC.

Match Day 15 Wrap: Chelsea pipped at home, Bechem and Techiman spanked

By Kofi Amoah (@Milikykophy)

Match day 15 comes to end at eight designated league centres, as well the end of the first round of the Ghana Premier, after 118 matches, with Medeama SC having two games in hand due to their African campaign.

 Week 15 and 8 are second with the highest number of goals, 21, whiles week 6 tops all, recording 25 goals after match day. Week 15 produced three home victories, four draws, one away victory, eight away goals, 13 home goals and two penalties, (both scored) all recorded on the cards.

At the Obuasi Len Clay Park on Saturday, Ashanti Gold once again continued with their barrage of draws, when they hosted Sogakope-based club WAFA. As many had predicted a turnaround for the Miners, they stumbled once again at their backyard, missing a penalty in regulation time. They recorded their 10^th draw of the season.

The action continued on Sunday with Dreams FC hosting Kenichi Yatsuhashi’s boys, Hearts of Oak at the Dawu Park. A cagey encounter for both clubs, against the backdrop of recording unimpressive results in recent matches in the league – Hearts, had lost 0-1 at home against Liberty whiles Dreams were winless at home since match day 10. In the end, an early goal from Dreams striker, Lawson Bekui in the 18^th minute, his personal 7^th in the season was equally levelled by substitute Paul Acquah in the second half, to keep the Phobian boys undefeated in eight away travels in the first round. 

Picture by Hearts of Oak

The Scientific Soccer Lads were hot favourite to brush aside relegation threatened Ebusua Dwarfs, after taking Hearts of Oak through a football clinic at the Ohene Djan Stadium in a mid-week encounter. Taminu Muntari struck his 4^th goal of the season to open the goal account at the Carl Reindolf Park. Samuel Bentsil of Dwarfs made sure the joy was short-lived with an equalizer to end the game one all.

Another stalemate on match day 15 was a one all between Hasaacas and Inter Allies. A resurgent Allies, now handled by Jimmy Cobblah defiled all odds to pick a point at the Sekondi Essipong Stadium. Gockel Ahortor drew level for the visitors after Ibrahim Suleman had opened the scoring in the 18^th minute. 

The CAF Confederation campaigners, Medeama SC, made nonsense of the Obuasi-based New Edubiase claims of aborting the on-going Ghana League due to lack of funds, and rounded their match day with two goals from Daniel Amoah (his 2^nd in the season) and a 25-yard strike from Kwesi Donsu to carry the day by 2-0.

Well, the most shocking and surprising result emanated from the Berekum Golden City Park. A déjà vu from match day 11 when the Blues, Chelsea, lost 0-1 at home against Hearts of Oak, bringing their four years unbeaten home recorded to a halt. With a chance to regroup and build another fortune, the league leaders, Wa All Stars, shattered and stun the host at their home grounds; forward Richard Arthur struck five minutes to full time (his sixth goal of the campaign) as they narrowly beat the Chelsea at their backyard.

At the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park, it was the touch of handsfrom Cioaba Aristica still performing magic at the Dormaa Park. Two goals, each from Bright Adjei and leading goal scorer, Yahaya Mohammed (11goals) summed up their crystal performance in the first round. Abednego Tetteh and Aminu Mohammed scored a consolation for Bechem but Aduana ended wining the Bono-derby by 4-2. They end the first round as the highest scoring club with 24 goals.

Yahaya Mohammed 

The Baba Yara Stadium was never a dull moment after recording a six goal thriller. One name that kept running through the lips of both supporters and commentators in the press box was 17-year-old Dauda Mohammed, who scored the third hatrick of the season after Samuel Tetteh of (WAFA) and Yahaya Mohammed (Aduana Stars). Defender Edwin Tuffour Frimpong added the other goal against Techiman City. Consolation goals came in through Okyere Sarpong and Ebenezer Agyapong.

The second round of the league is scheduled to resume on the 26^th of June 2016, three weeks from now. 

Match Day 15 Results

Ashanti Gold 0-0 WAFA

Dreams FC 1-1 Hearts of Oak

Liberty Prof 1-1 Ebusua Dwarfs

Hasaacas 1-1 Inter Allies

Medeama SC 2-0 New Edubiase

B. Chelsea 0-1 Wa All Stars

Aduana  Stars 4-2 Bechem United

Asante Kotoko 4-2 Techiman City

Behold Kenichi Yatsuhashi, the mysterious second-half sensei turning heads

Kenichi Yatsuhashi

By Nana Owusu (@alfowusu)

Rival fans dubbed him ‘social-media-coach’. Pundits predicted his dismissal before the league properly begun. His preseason sham was a laughingstock and left many bemoaning.  Others argued that, he actually never existed but an embodiment of a figment. His credentials left much to be desired as the 46-year-old novice prepared to take over the reins at one of Ghana’s most prestigious and oldest clubs, Accra Hearts of Oak.

The grey-headed sensei, Kenichi Yatsuhashi lacked topnotch profile that would have left the Phobian fraternity drooling and pumping up their hopes of coming close to annexing the league, something that has gone missing from their trophy cabinet since 2009.

The Japanese trainer vowed to work things out as his early days at the club glaringly lacked luster. “I understand the frustrations of the fans but I believe we are working really hard to get the team to the level we all desire”, said Kenichi “The players have shown willingness which is key so I believe I will get the team to the level we all desire”. Those were the courageous words of Kenichi after the GHALCA Top 6 competition, where his team had started improving on their early preseason form.

He started off the season with a late win against New Edubiase United. Now here’s where all the sophistry surrounding the mysterious sensei started unfolding. 

Hearts of Oak had not defeated New Edubiase in their previous three (3) meetings in the league. Edubiase had beaten the Phobians home and away the season before the Japanese took over. It was easily the game that was going to vindicate the pessimists and critics with regard to the grey-headed sensei. The first half was barren and things were falling apart until the 79^th minute when Samuel Yeboah latched onto an incisive cross to win all points at stake. Kenichi would go scot free for this week. The subsequent week was going to tell the tale pretty well.

Medeama SC, who are Ghana’s sole representatives in Africa this year had not tasted defeat in their own background for twenty-one (21) games. The Mauves had gone unbeaten against the Phobians in their previous seven (7) league encounters. Mauves were tipped to end Kenichi’s fairytale ride with ease. Once again the first half had nothing to pick between the two sides. Nonetheless, the 77^th minute saw one of Kenichi’s discoveries Cosmos Dauda shoot the Phobians into the lead. Hearts held their resolve until the 92^nd minute when Eric Kumi fired home the cushion goal for the Japanese.

Kenichi had won his first two games in charge of his first ever professional club against all odds. He was beginning to carve a niche for himself but it was still early days yet. However, there seem to be a mysterious pattern of play developed in the Phobians, they seem to find their mojo vastly in the second department of games. 

Fallacy?

Hearts would go on to draw their subsequent game versus a beleaguered Mysterious Dwarfs. The energetic Japanese entertained Bechem United in Week 4 of the league. Samuel Yeboah opened the scoring in the 37^th minute but Hearts of Oak once again scored two goals in the second half via the boots of Mustapha Essuman and Isaac Mensah in the 53^rd and 67^th minutes respectively. Hearts won 3-1.

At this stage, the Phobian fraternity were beginning to believe Kenichi indeed could turn fortunes. Women and children alike were singing the mysterious sensei’s praise. He had begun to turn heads. But many a pessimist still waited and hoped to see how he would capitulate very soon.

Inter Allies scored two quick second half goals proving a sterner opposition than expected, Kenichi had just 30 minutes to pull out any magic wand. Isaac Mensah pulled one back on the 69^th minute mark before Kenichi exhibited his tactical prowess, throwing everything at the the opponents. He brought on Ibrahim Musah, who equalized on the 81^st minute before clinching all points in the 90^th minute. Musah’s incredible brace went a long way to underline how Kenichi’s boys are ruthless in the second half of games.

Does the pattern emanate from sheer effective training or psychological theatric? 

Hearts had started winning their supporters back; their best start to a league season since the early 2000s. The club turned out to be the league’s cash cow as their avid fans followed them to every league center.

Hearts lost their next game against Wa All Stars, a side that has been a torn in their flesh. The Phobians had won just one of their previous five (5) games. They were humbled 3-1 in their own backyard. Once again, Hearts’ consolation goal was scored in the 50^th minute through Ibrahim Musah, in the second half.

Perhaps, Kenichi’s charges had begun feeling the pressure and the overwhelming expectations took a toll on them. They drew goalless at Techiman City and drew one-all with WAFA. Csomos Dauda scored the goal for the Phobians in the 70^th minute. Second-half magic still at display even in their hard times eh?

Hold on, the mysterious second half template was going to be tested even more in the next three games when they come up against defending league champions , AshGold, a venue they had never won a game close to a decade, archrivals Asante Kotoko and Brekum Chelsea who had never lost a home game since 2012. Surely Kenichi should fall someway somehow along the line or?

Hearts scored the first goal in the 53^rd minute before adding a second in the 60^th minute thanks to Cosmos Dauda’s prolific feet. Kenichi broke a long-held jinx against one of the country’s very top teams, AshGold. Hearts however lost narrowly to archrivals Kotoko in a very cagey game. Noteworthy that Hearts and Kotoko games are practically inexplicable given the intricacies involved. Hence, better described with fewer words.Cheers. Moving on, Samuel Yeboah scored on the 60^th minute mark to end Brekum Chelsea’s four-year unbeaten home run. Something only the mysterious grey-headed sensei’s sophistry could explain.

A feat admittedly unparalleled.  No brainer.

Hearts defeated Hasaacas 1-0 in their next game as Isaac Mensah scored an early goal in the 7^th minute.  First half winner, pretty rare uh huh? Kenichi’s recent away draw with second-placed Aduana Stars seem to underline what he’s been doing all season. He’s slowly restoring Hearts to their rightful place, even though he’s been knocked out of the FA Cup by a lower tier side Samartex. Dauda Cosmos equalized in the 67^th minute against a well-drilled Aduana Stars who had won five (5) games on the bounce before meeting Hearts.

Amid all his alleged controversial shenanigans vis-à-vis management, the charismatic former coach of Societa Ise FC Junior Youth U15 and CONCACAF International Coaching license holder is surely writing his own page in the history books of Hearts of Oak regardless whatever happens in the near future.

His hard-work and fitness-centered training is paying off unequivocally. Hearts have scored fourteen (14) of their (16) league goals in the second half of matches, representing eighty-eight (88) per cent. The Phobians have also recouped five (5) points from losing position in the league.

The mysterious second-half sensei is unbeaten in seven (7) away matches, winning four (4) and drawing three (3). His side has scored the highest away goals, nine (9) and conceded the fewest goals away from home, four (4). His amassed fifteen (15) points from seven away games is six (6) more than second placed Kotoko on the away performance log.

Kenichi and Hearts occupy the top spot on the league log after thirteen (13) weeks, truly a dream only few of the Phobians had fancy before the season kicked off. With seventeen (17) games to go, it remains to be seen whether Kenichi will keep pressing hard for the ultimate that has eluded his club in a pretty long while or perhaps get soaked in the fairytale and resort to just playing to the gallery.

The Phobians have won the league twenty (20) times, a haul only bettered by rivals Asante Kotoko with twenty-three (23). If there’s any chance of the Phobians annexing their 21^st league title, ceteris parabus, then surely the mysterious second-half sensei, Kenichi wouldn’t have a better shot at it than now.

GPL: Wrap of Match Day 2- Aduana shocked at home whiles Hearts of Oak continue their fine form

By Kofi Amoah

Match day two of the Ghana Premier League has ended at all centres with the exception the game between Asante Kotoko and Ashanti Gold, due to the Obuasi-base club’s Champions League tie with MO Bejaia.

As expected, the thrilling passion, goals, excitement and shocks came into play as it produced 15 goals in all, 5 home wins, 2 away wins, 6 away goals and 9 home goals.

New Edubiase and Ebusua Dwarfs kicked start on match day two on Friday at the Obuasi Len Clay Park. After and end-to-end stuff with the home side largely dominating play, former Liberty and Aduana Stars player, Zuberu Fuseini, tabbed in from closed range on the 64^th minute mark to hand the home side their first three points of the season.

The action continued on Saturday at the Essipong Stadium as Hasaacas hosted league debutante Techiman City. Left-back Amos Korankye quickly got his name on the score sheet seven minutes into the game. Returnee Eric Bekoe added the second (39^th minute) in the first half from a free-kick and converted a penalty (49^th minute) in the second half of the game. Roger Nortey (58^th minute) and Baba Mahama (65^th minute) struck in successive for a possible comeback but wasn’t enough as Prince Papa Arko nailed the game in 91^st minute to make it four goals to two.

At the Dansoman Carl Reindolf Park, Liberty narrowly defeated stubborn Inter Allies by two goals to one after they lost their opening day game to Bechem United. An own goal from Kingley Boateng (7^th minute) and a goal from Latif Blessing scored from a free-kick to give the scientific soccer lads the lead whiles substitute Fredrick Boateng (58^th minute) scored a consolation for the visitors.

Home invincibility at the Golden City Park for more than a season continued as Berekum Chelsea narrowly defeated WAFA by a goal to nil. Saddick Adams (24^th minute) who saved Asiwome Fumador’s life last week when he fainted rather save Chelsea’s blushes to score his first premier league goal for more than two years now.

The shock result of the week was Wa All Stars silencing Aduana Stars at their own backyard. Their home indomitability has been broken after 21 rounds of home matches. The last time they lost at home was a 0-1 against Hearts of Oak on 15^th Feb 2014 (2013/2014 league season). Kofi Yeboah scored late in the game to give All Stars a perfect start in the league. The win makes it two in sixteen (16) attempts.

The team with many dreams, Dreams FC, also continues with their fine form as they beat Bechem United by a goal to nil. Ben Nash Quansah’s goal two minutes to half time separated both sides. Woefully, they are yet to pick a win, away from home in their last 16 matches, lost 13 and drawn 3.

Top liner of the week, Medeama and Hearts of Oak, never ceased to live up to its billing and the necessary hype. The through passes, shots, crosses and near misses were worth enjoying. After the home side dominated the first half in possession and missed chances, the visitors took their chances very well in the second part and punished the home side. Cosmos Dauada shot the Phobians into lead 13 minutes to end proceedings whiles Eric Kumi intelligently placed the icing on the cake with the second goal on the 92^nd minute mark.

Follow the writer on twitter @milikykophy

Ghana Premier League- Medeama vs Hearts of Oak Preview

By Kofi Amoah

The top liner for the week undoubtedly. Medeama SC clash with Accra Hearts of Oak at the Tarkwa TNA Park.

The home side lost their opening day match against African campaigners, Ashanti Gold and will look to save face with a convincing win against a resurgent Hearts of Oak.

Hearts managed to pick a narrow win against New Edubiase to pick up their first three point of the season.

With Kessben and Medeama team combine, they have played Hearts of Oak sixteen (16) times in the league. The Tarkwa club has stumped its authority on Phobia by winning seven (7), losing four (4) and drawing five times (5). 37 goals has been produced in their clashes with Medeama scoring 18 and conceded 19.

S

ince 2007, Medeama are yet to lose a match on match day 2 at home. Played five matches, won three (3) and drawn two (2); scored five (5) and conceded one (1). But in their last three games, they have managed only one win and drawn two.

Hearts on the other hand have played seven (7) matches on match day 2 away to other clubs since 1999. They have won three (3), lost three (3) and drawn only one (1). With 19 goals produced in their various clashes, they have scored nine (9) and allowed in ten (10).

The last time Medeama lost at home was on the 20^th of Feb 2014 (0-1 to Kotoko), since then they have gone 21 home matches without a defeat. In all, they have won 14 and drawn 7, scored 36 and conceded 10.

On the month of February, Medema has played eight (8) matches in the league; wininng five (5), losing three (3) and drawing one (1). They have netted 13 and conceded 10.

The Continental Club Masters have on the flip side played 13 games on match day two. Won seven (7), drawn two (2) and lost four (4); scored 13 and conceded 10.

Follow the writer on twitter @milikykophy

GPL: Hasaacas vs Techiman City PREVIEW

 By Kofi Amoah.

Rock-bottom Hasaacas will welcome league debutant, Techiman City to the Essipon stadium on match day two of the on-going Ghana Premier League.

Techiman City has enjoyed a bright start to the league with a defeat to former league champions, Berekum Chelsea, on match day one, and bagged their first three points of the season. 

The partying and excitement will have to cease as they are facing a more wounded Hasaacas side, who lost by a heaviest margin, 3-0 goals to nil to Wa All Stars.

With Techiman City playing their first ever Premier League, the two sides will be meeting for the first time in the Ghana Premier League. 

The Real Citizens are carrying on with their impressive performance from the division one to the elite division. Won twenty (20), drawn three (3) and lost five (5) matches; topping zone 1 with 63 points.

Since 2005, the Doo Boys have played a total of seven (7) matches on match day two. They have won two (2), drawn three (3) and lost two (2), scored ten (10) and conceded ten (10) as well.

In their last fifteen (15) home games, they have lost only one (0-1 defeat to Kotoko last season), won ten (10) and drawn four (4).

Hasaacas last five (5) matches at home have seen 2D, 2W and 1L. Overall, they have won two (2) and lost three (3) of their last five matches. 

Again, they have kept only two clean sheet in five matches played at home. Seems they are susceptible at conceding at home.

Luckily for us, the match will be live on SuperSports and other local television network at 3:15 pm in the afternoon. The two will be entertaining us to some quality and fine tune of football. 

It will be a battle of big brains at the touch line, with Yussif Bassigi steering affairs for the home side whiles Yusif Abubakar defends the other end for Techiman City.

Follow the writer on twitter @milikykophy

Ghana Premier League: PREVIEW- New Edubiase vs Ebusua Dwarfs

By Kofi Amoah.

Sponsor less Ghana Premier League enters match day two, with New Edubuase and Ebusua Dwarfs getting us started on Friday afternoon at 4:30pm.

Match day one ended, producing 15 goals at all leagues centres. Seven (7) home wins, one (1) away win, 12 away goals and 3 away goals. Not that encouraging from the visiting sides.

Match day two promises to be fun, intriguing and action packed at all league centres as losing clubs have sent strong warning to their fellows teams of bouncing back strongly, with different attitude and approach.

Unfortunately, these two clubs lost their opening league match and will seek to redeem themselves. Edubiase lost to resurgent Hearts of Oak by a goal to nil at the Ohene Djan Stadium whiles Dwarfs lost at home to fellow debutant, Dreams FC, by the same margin.

Edubiase will welcome the Crabs at the Obuasi Len Clay Park.  

Since 2009/2010 Edubiase entered the elite division, the two has met on eight (8) occasions.

Edubiase is ahead of the Crabs with three (3) wins, four (4) draws and suffered a single defeat. 18 goals have been produced in their clashes, with Edubiase scoring ten (10) of them and allowed in eight (8).

The Obuasi-based club’s heaviest win against Dwarfs was a 2-0 win back in 12^th May 2013 whiles their worst loss was a 3-1 defeat on 27^th of November 2011. 

At home, Edubiase are yet to lose a game against the Cape Coast-based club, wining two (2) and drawing two (2).

A quick run through their matches on match day two shows Dwarfs could be in trouble since their results are not encouraging.

From 2005, they have played a total of five matches (5), won one, lost three and drawn one. Edubiase on the other hand have played six matches since 2009. They have won two, lost two and drawn two.

Edubiase has been resolute at home, losing only one out of their last15 home games played, won 9 and drawn 5. The Crabs have been bad away travelers, winning only two of their last 15 visits to other clubs, lost 9 and drawn 4.

In Edubiase’s last five home games, they have conceded a goal in four of them. Dwarfs have also conceded a goal in four matches out of their last five.

Dwarfs’ coach, J.E Sarpong said their opening match day loss was down to complacency, after they had gone two years without losing at home. He added they will go back to the drawing board to correct their mistakes and come out gun blazing in their next match.

Edubiase Chief, Abdul Salam poured cool water on increasing fears that the club could head for relegation after their opening day loss. He said no fears and will bounce back with a win against Dwarfs.

The meeting of the two clubs has never lacked goals. And their clash today won’t be exception if more than two goals are recorded.

Follow the writer on twitter @milikykophy