2014-15 FIRST CAPITAL PLUS BANK PREMIER LEAGUE XI

Agreeably, it was indeed an exciting season. After 480 matches across eight league centres in the 2014-15 First Capital Plus Bank Premier League, there was as much disappointment for clubs caught by relegation as there was joy for those who avoided the drop. In the end, 513 goals were recorded by 186 scorers, a stat averaging 2.14 goals per game.

As always is the case, some players stood tall,ensuring they never miss the opportunity to show their worth.

In this piece, your No.1 destination for in-depth analysis and permutations, Ghana League Statistics, compiles a list of the top 11 players who distinguished themselves to a dazzling effect – a five-star performance you might want to say.

Goalkeeper.

Osei Kwame of International Allies shoves off competition from Richard Ofori of Wa-Allstars and Felix Annan of WAFA to claim the post. Keeping13 clean sheet in 26 matches is highly commendable. He was made to take charge for the remaining two games when their substantive captain Joseph Aidoo was loaned to a Swedish club Hammarby Football Club. His reflexes and dives are absolutely incredible and no wonder it has earned him a call up to the Local Black Stars. In addition, Allies conceded the fewest goals in 2014/2015 season all thanks to Osei Kwame.

DEFENCE

Amos Korankye.

The name Amos Korankye of Sekondi Hasaacas might surprise many people but those who had followed the Premier League closely this season will testify to the fact he was splendid and was always the last resort when danger looms. Emmanuel Ankobiah and Godfred Saka provided stern competition but per statistics gathered, the right back fits in perfectly.

Eric Donkor.

At the left back position one name lingers and is not surprising it has to be Asante Kotoko’s Eric Donkor. The marauding defender is one the few versatile defenders who double as an offensive player adding to the number of attacking forwards who causes fear and panic among opponents. His surging runs and crosses are apt perfect. He made 10 assist and score one goal (against Hasaacas). If nothing at all we remember his neatly curved cross that met a powerful header by Amed Toure in the MTN FA Cup finals. Although Tijani Joshua of Ashanti Gold was a threat nonetheless his contribution to the Porcupine Warriors was applaudable.

Baba Mensah.

Baba Mensah was no doubt a solid defender in the First Capital Plus Bank Premier League. One of his trademarks in the league has been his neatly, expertly and calmly converted penalty kicks. When it comes to challenging for air-balls he is second to none. His defense organization for Inter Allies has got them far in the league thus helping them escape relegation. Admittedly, it won’t be surprising if he is seen in the future commanding a lead role in the national team.

Kadiri Mohammed.

Ashanti Gold’s defender Kadiri Mohammed put up a splendid defensive display to help the Miners claim their first league trophy that has eluded them for 19 years now. He does all the dirty works aside their captain Lawrence Lartey. He personally had the Hearts of Oak fans continuously clapping for him in their Week 16 game at the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium in Accra. Kadiri has been the preferred choice for Coach Bashiru Hayford in defence, and has admirably partnered Lartey well in the set-up. Alfred Nelson and Ahmed Adams, although had a wonderful season for their respect clubs, somehow struggled towards the end of the year, thus, their omission.

MIDFIELD.

Eric Opoku.

Eric Opoku popularly known among soccer loving funs as ‘Hello Kwaku’ has been the ‘engine’ in midfield for Ashanti Gold this season. He is a tough tackler and reads the game very well giving room for other midfielders to operate. In case of possession lost his, recovery rate is exceptional providing a proper shield for the defense. Such is a player Ash Gold has in their fold.

Gideon Wadja.

One of the most creative midfielder in the league with excellent reading of the game is Gideon Wadja of WAFA (West African Football Academy). In this season he made more than 3 assist for his club. One thing he is noted for on the field is his positioning, very accurate and apt. His defense-splitting pass in games has equally been impressive. As young as he is and with age on his side it won’t be long foreign clubs come chasing his signature.

Bernard Ofori.

Traditionally, Bernard Ofori of New Edubiase is one of the best wingers in the local league. He has been consistent for Edubiase throughout the season. It's an undianable fact that he together with Fuseini Nuhu and Latif Anabila, carried the team on their shoulders when the going got tough. Single handedly, he scored 9 goals for the Obuasi- base side, beating Fredrick Yamoah of Inter Allies who had more than 6 assist, to the spot.

Bernard Morrison.

Ashanti Gold now has their third representation in the first XI in theshape of Bernard Morrison. The best unorthodox and nimble footed in the league. One advantage he has spilling off defenders in the attacking third has been the ability to use both legs. Ambidextrous player he is in nature. He made 6 assist and scored 6 goals. In addition, he won more than 3 penalties for the Miners.

FORWARDS.

Kofi Owusu.

It’s almost impossible to say the least – if not absolute – to ignore Berekum Chelsea forward and goal-king for the season Kofi Owusu. He scored 19 goals in the league overtaking Nathaniel Asamoah who led the goal king chart for a large part in the football calendar. Incredibly, 18 of his goals were from open play, with only one from the spot– a testament of his predatory instincts.

Nathaniel Ohene Asamoah.

Though Nathaniel Asamoah is now plying his trades with Moroccan giant Raja Cassablaca, Asamoah, nevertheless, merits leading the attacking role with Kofi Owusu. Before departing for the Northern African country, the former Kotoko man was the league’s leading scorer with 18 goals, and only lost the spot on the final day of the season. Such goal poacher he was.

Compiled by Nana Owusu Ansah (@n_pazl) and Kofi Amoah (@milikophy)

Ghana Premier League - Statistical Review Of Week 30

Let's look at some intriguing statistics after Week 30 games.

STATISTICS

• 513 - Total number of goals scored in the league.
• 186 - Players scored in the league.
• 2.14 - Average number of goals registered per game.
• 19 - Kofi Owusu (Brekum Chelsea) scored more goals than any player in the league.
• 18 - Nathaniel Ohene Asamoah (Medeama SC) has scored more goals than any player.
• 13 - Nuhu Fuseini (Edubiase FC) scored 13 goals in the league.
• 12 - Stephen Baffour (Brekum Chelsea) scored 12 goals
• 11 - Yakubu Mohammed (AshGold), Kennedy Ashia (Liberty) and Amed Toure (Kotoko) all scored 11 goals
• 1 - Noah Martey (Bechem United) has scored 10 goals
• 2 - Bernard Ofori (Edubiase FC), Sheriff Deo Mohammed (Inter Allies) and Richard Arhin (Aduana Stars) scored 9 goals
• 4 - Number of players with 8 goals : Gilbert Fiamenyo (Hearts), Kwame Boateng (Olympics) and Zakaria Mumuni (WAFA) and Martin Antwi (WAFA)
• 3 - Players with 7 goals : Dauda Mohammed (Kotoko), Doetse Agbashie (Olympics) and Asuandzie Baffoe (All Stars)
• 5 - Players with 6 goals each : Benjamin Bature (Medeama), Kojo Poku (Hasaacas), Osman Muntaka (Lions), Prince Acquah (Lions) and Bernard Morrison (AshGold)
• 7 - Players with 5 goals : Yaw Arnol (Bechem United), Emmanuel Osei (AshGold), Godwin Attram (Olympics), Frederick Quayson (Hasaacas), Foovi Aguidi (Hearts), Stephen Nyarko (Wa All Stars) and Emmanuel Ankobeah (Hasaacas)
• 11 - Players with 4 goals : Ernest Baffour (Bechem United), Baba Zakari (Liberty), Emmanuel Ocran (All Stars), Latif Salifu (Brekum Chelsea), Didier Kore (AshGold), Bismark Idan (New Edubiase), Samuel Afful (Hasaacas), Alhassan Nuhu (Edubiase), Osman Sackey (Lions), Isaac Quansah (Lions) and Francis Kyeremeh (BA United).
• 16 - Players with 3 goals each.
• 42 - Number of players with 2 goals each
• 159 - Total number of home wins recorded in the league
• 28 - Total number of away wins recorded in the league
• 53 - Number of drawn games recorded this season with just 30 ending in a scoring draw
• 359 - Total number of goals scored by home teams
• 154 - Represents goals scored by visiting clubs
• 246 - Goals scored in the first half
• 267 - Goals scored in the second half
• 1-30 mins - 149 goals have been scored within this period
• 31-60 mins - 179 goals have been scored within this period
• 61-90 mins - 185 goals have been recorded in this period
• 67 - Number of penalties scored in this year's league out of a total 84

Ghana Premier League - Statistical Review Of Week 29

Let's look at some intriguing statistics after Week 29 games.

STATISTICS

• 486 - Total number of goals scored in the league, so far.
• 181 - Players who have scored in the league.
• 2.09 - Average number of goals registered per game.
• 18 - Nathaniel Ohene Asamoah (Medeama SC) has scored more goals than any player.
• 17 - Kofi Owusu (Brekum Chelsea) has 17 goals 
• 12 - Stephen Baffour (Brekum Chelsea) has 12 goals
• 11 - Yakubu Mohammed (AshGold), Nuhu Fuseini (New Edubiase), Kennedy Ashia (Liberty) and Amed Toure (Kotoko) all have 11 goals
• 1 - Noah Martey (Bechem United) has scored 10 goals
• 2 - Sheriff Deo Mohammed (Inter Allies) and Richard Arhin (Aduana Stars) have 9 goals
• 4 - Number of players with 8 goals : Gilbert Fiamenyo (Hearts), Kwame Boateng (Olympics) and Zakaria Mumuni (WAFA) and Martin Antwi (WAFA)
• 2 - Players with 7 goals : Dauda Mohammed (Kotoko) and Bernard Ofori (New Edubiase)
• 3 - Players with 6 goals each : Prince Acquah (Lions), Asuandzie Baffoe (All Stars) and Bernard Morrison (AshGold)
• 8 - Players with 5 goals : Godwin Attram (Olympics), Frederick Quayson (Hasaacas), Doetse Agbashie (Olympics), Foovi Aguidi (Hearts), Osman Muntaka (Lions), Kojo Poku (Hasaacas), Stephen Nyarko (Wa All Stars) and Emmanuel Ankobeah (Hasaacas)
• 12 - Players with 4 goals : Emmanuel Osei (AshGold), Emmanuel Ocran (All Stars), Latif Salifu (Brekum Chelsea), Didier Kore (AshGold), Bismark Idan (New Edubiase), Samuel Afful (Hasaacas), Alhassan Nuhu (Edubiase), Osman Sackey (Lions), Isaac Quansah (Lions), Francis Kyeremeh (BA United), Benjamin Bature (Medeama) and Yaw Arnol (Bechem United)
• 16 - Players with 3 goals each.
• 41 - Number of players with 2 goals each
• 153 - Total number of home wins recorded in the league
• 27 - Total number of away wins recorded in the league
• 52 - Number of drawn games recorded this season with just 30 ending in a scoring draw
• 340 - Total number of goals scored by home teams
• 146 - Represents goals scored by visiting clubs
• 238 - Goals scored in the first half
• 248 - Goals scored in the second half
• 1-30 mins - 142 goals have been scored within this period
• 31-60 mins - 173 goals have been scored within this period
• 61-90 mins - 171 goals have been recorded in this period
• 64 - Number of penalties scored in this year's league out of a total 79

ROUND UP OF WEEK 30 MATCHES OF THE FIRST CAPITAL PLUS BANK PREMIER LEAGUE.

The First Capital Plus Bank Premier League matches ended on March 13 2015 after 30 round of matches which started from 18th January 2015. Finally, we know the three clubs headed for relegation and won't be part of the 2015/2016 league. Accra Great Olympics, Heart of Lions and BA United got swallowed by the jaws of relegation and is no surprise as they have struggled all season.

Unlike Lions who is tasting relegation for the first time, Olympics and BA United have seen it all and  a comeback into the league in the coming years is a sure bet. Lions have spent 12 years in the league since making their debut on 11th May 2003, losing 4-1 to King Faisal Babes in Kumasi. They were 10th with 35 points. Their best position in their 12 year stay in the league was in 2006/07 and 2013/2014 season when they placed 2nd behind Asante Kotoko on both occasions with 53 and 47 points respectively. One way or the other they have paid their dues to Ghana football producing talented players for the nation at all levels. But all is not lost, as being relegated doesn't mean an end to football. Lions we know roar much stronger when in distress. In the same vein we expect Lions to pick up the pieces and make a strong comeback into the league in the coming years.

 As quickly as possible, Benjamin Bature of Medeama scored the first goal across all centres in the 7th minute to send a clear signal in taking all the three points at stake. Five minutes later, he added the second goal and his personal second of the day. Two goals to nil in the first half was quite enough to hand them all the three points. After the break, Evans Quao of Medeama scored an own goal in the 54th minute to hand Inter Allies a life line and a possible comeback but Medeama held on to it to pick all the three points to help them stay in the league.

In a regional derby, Bechem United engaged relegated BA United at the Bechem Park. A real pummeling from Bechem as they thrashed and sent flies circling the heads of BA United today. Yaw Andoh of Bechem United opened the scores in the 14th and in a spate of 3 minutes, Patrick Opoku added the second. Ernest Baffoe send the game beyond BA United from a possible comeback when he struck the third goal in the 53rd minute. John Nyamekye popularly known 'Jon Kooko' placed the icing on the cake when he scored the fourth in the 81st minute before Alex Asamoah pulled one back  four minutes after to end the game four goals to one.

At the Golden City Park, Berekum Chelsea stood tall against Wa-Allstars as they won two goals to one. Former Mighty Jets' striker Kofi Owusu was the hero of the day when he scored twice 9 minutes into the game and a spot kick in the 92nd minute to surpass leading goal king Nathaniel Asamoah to 19 goals to be crowned the goal king in the 2014/2015 league season. Kweku Asuandze Baffour pulled one back through the spot  a minute after as the game ended two goals to one.

It was all smiles and joy at the Obuasi township for the second time as New Edubiase hammered Kpando-Base Heart of Lions to stay in the league. Abdul Salam Yakubu and Anthony Kommeh were in jubilant mood when the game came to an end. Prior to the game  there were talks of Edubiase missing their two key player Bernard Nti and Latif Anabila to the Black Meteors squad who are in Congo for the All Africa Games. Reports at the Len Clay has it that Edubiase played in such aplomb and no surprise they won by that massive score line. It took 30 minutes for Fuseini Nuhu to break the deadlock. He added his second in the 61st minutes, scoring a brace on the day. Bernard Ofori registered his in the 57th and 80th minutes respectively whlies Tanko Mohammed and Muntaka Osman got the consolation for the Heart of Lions in the 75th and 81st minutes.

At the Carl Reindolf Park, Hasaacas the 'Doo Boys' announced their presence as Kojo Poku and Ibrahim Suleman got the winning goals in the 28th and 34th minutes as Baba Zakari netted the consolation in the 10 minutes to full time.

It was all drama at the Accra sports stadium between Olympics and Ashanti Gold. Kwame Boateng missed from the spot kick in 38 minutes into the game to put Olympics in front and subsequently got punished on the 78th minutes as Emmanuel Baffour put the Miners in the lead. Olympics had a second penalty and was missed once again by veteran and former Hearts of Oak defender Dan Quaye 7 minutes to full time. Better late than never and in a quick succession, Doetse Agbashie scored twice in the 89th and 91st minute to hand them all the three points but to no avail as they are still relegated from the league.

On March 13 2011, Kotoko thrashed Aduana by 3-0 at the Baba Yara stadium and on the same venue, Kotoko has bettered the results by hammering them by four goals to nil. Jackson Owusu scored twice in the 56th and 59th minutes via a penalty. Obed Owusu, voted as the best player for Kotoko in the month of August scored in the 65th minutes as Richard Oti rounded it up in the 90th minutes with the fourth goal.

At the Sogakope Park, WAFA drew goalless with the Continental Clubs Masters Accra Hearts of Oak. Glaring chances were missed from far and closed range as both strikers failed to score to win the game for their clubs.

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Ghana Premier League - Statistical Preview to Week 29 (Part 2).

WA Allstars  Vs  Medeama.

All hail SC Medeama for their splendid performance and avid display in winning the MTN FA Cup for the second time and probably will be going to Africa next season. A double over the the porcupine warriors Asante Kotoko in 2013 and this year as well makes it sweet and worth celebrating. The Tarkwa mauves, Medeama will have to suspend their celebrations simply because they will have to travell to battle Wa base Allstars at the Wa Park come Sunday. Both clubs are running around the clock and are putting in all measures to at least grab a point in this match to help escape relegation. A little slip by either of them will see them march down the league log for the wrong reasons. Medeama is above Allstars on the league log by just a step. Medeama is 10th on the league table with 38 points whiles Allstars are 11th with 37 points. Aside Hearts of Lions and Great Olympics being the top liner this week, Allstars and Medeama will also serve every bit  of excitement and sadness football seems to bring to it followers.

These two sides has met 9 times since 2009 when Kessben FC sold their premiership status to Medeama. Allstars have won 3 whiles Medeama have 2 wins with 4 ending in stalemate. In all their clashes, 16 goals has been produced. On equal grounds, both have 9 goals each. Since 2009, Allstars have engaged Medeama 4 times at home on league basis. They are yet to lose a match as they have won 2 and drawn 2, scoring 5 and conceding 2.

Wa Allstars have played 14 matches at home this season, losing 2, drawing 2 and winning the remaining 10. They have allowed in 5 goals whiles netting 18 goals in return. On the flip side, Medeama joins the bandwagon of clubs who are yet to pick a win away from home. Played 14 matches as guest to other clubs this season, drawn 6 and lost 8, scoring 10 and picking 20 balls from their nets. On a different twist prior to their clash, Allstars have conceded only 2 goals in their last 8 matches played at home whiles Medeama has netted on their last three outings.

With two matches to end the league season, Medeama have lost their marksman, Nathaniel Ohene Asamoah to Moroccan football giant Raja Casablanca. He leads the goal king race with 18 goals. Speaking to Kumasi base radio station Nhyira FM, he said "is true I have signed 3 years with the club and am waiting for my ITC to start playing matches for my new club". He was asked on account of not being worried if someone overtakes him to win the goal king, he said " am currently with Raja Casablanca and I am leaving the rest to my fellow strikers in the league. If they are able to overtake my goal tally and win it, good, if they aren't then I will maintain my 18 goal tally since I have done my part, it is up to them to do theirs". In a scaring situation, even in the absence of their main striker, the likes of Akwesi Donsu, Benjamin Bature, Eric Kwakwa and not forgetting Bismark Oppong, a super sub in the MTN FA Cup last Sunday. His beautiful one-on-one chip over Kotoko's goalkeeper Joseph Addo in the finals looks sumptuous and will continue to lingers in his memory for years to come. Allstars wll have case to deal with deal with on Sunday.

In their last 5 matches, Allstars have won 1 and lost 4 whiles Medeama has 1 win, 2 loses and 2 draws. Since 2011, both clubs have played 4 times on match day 29. Medeama have 2 wins and 2 loses, scoring 6 and conceding 8. Allstars on the other hand have won only 1 and lost 3, netting 3 and allowing in 5 goals.

 Hearts of Oak Vs  Berekum Chelsea.

The continental club maters, Accra Hearts of Oak will be at their favourite home grounds against Berekum Chelsea on Sunday in the First Capital Plus Bank Premier League. Hearts has tested the laws governing our football in Ghana and is enjoying 3 points docked from their bitterest rivals, Asante Kotoko for fielding an unqualified player in their game in which they lost 1-2 on week 25. This has seen them exchange their position on the league table with them, from 15^th position to 7^th. A morale booster for them I should say. Hearts has no excuse on Sunday than to win since reports has it that Kotoko has filed for stay of execution which means their points deducted will stay whiles they continue with the case at the appeals court. Laws have different meanings and interpretations especially in football so if not carefully presented; you could be at the losing side. This and many reasons Hearts needs to take their Sunday game as serious as they can because if Kotoko’s points are given back to them and they fluff their opportunities on Sunday, they could be saying goodbye to the league. That will be a big blow to Ghana football we must admit.

These two sides have met on 13 occasions, dating back to 10^th Dec, 2008. Hearts of Oak has won 3 times whiles Chelsea have 6 wins with 4 ending in stalemate. In their 28 goals being produced, Chelsea has whacked in 16 goals whiles Hearts has scored 12. This isn't surprising because Chelsea has one of the best attacking pair in the league in the shape of Kofi Owusu and Stephen Baffour, who has 15 and 12 goals respectively. 

Out of 14 away games played by Chelsea, they have won 1, drawn 2 and lost 11. They have scored 12 and conceded 22 goals. On the other hand, adding to Hearts protest, their win this season at home amounts to 8, drawing 4 and losing 2. In a 34 goals thriller at home, Hearts has scored 23 and conceded 11.

On match day 29, both clubs have played 6 times since 2009. Hearts has won only 1 out of the 6 matches played (against New Edubiase, 1-2), lost 1 and drawn 4. Equally, they have scored 7 and conceded same. Berekum Chelsea have a different story to tell as they are yet to lose a game on match day 29. They won 3 and drawn 3, netting 6 and conceding 3. A good feat for them. Again, they have travelled 3 times on match day 29, won 1 and drawn 2. But sadly enough, they are yet to pick a win in their last 5 matches in the league. Something they wish it ends on Sunday.

Ashanti Gold  Vs  WAFA.

The 20 years wait could be over on Sunday for the miners as a win against the Sogakope boys, WAFA,  could see them being crowned the league champions for 2014/2015 league season. An incredible feat they have toiled and suffered all along this season. Almost giving up their lead to Chelsea and Aduana in the middle of the season. CEO Kwadwo Fiano and coach Bashiru Hayford has had their fair sharing of bashing from their supporters and the media as well for putting off their foot off the pedal and slowing down their momentum which could have seen them win the league with 5 matches to go. We say kudos for holding on to the forts till now. But before that, there is one huge task that needs to be overtaken before enjoying that feat. If there is one club I love watching them play, is WAFA. On any good day they will mesmerize and bring your team down to earth. Their sumptuous and inter-positional passes are worth salivating. But unfortunately for them they will be missing the services of their centre back Kennedy Boateng who is on a two weeks trials with Serbian football giant Red Bull Salzburg. Other notable absentees to their fold is former Asante Kotoko youth goalkeeper Felix Annan and former U-20 winger Samuel Tetteh, who are currently with the Black Meteors team in Congo for All African games. Ashgold, on the flip side have also lost their midfield maestro Bernard Morrison to Congolese side AS Vita Club on a reported $100,000 and their leading goal scorer Yakubu Mohammed to Raja Casablanca in Morocco. Good news is, he has scored his first goal on his debut for them this week. But trust John Killa's boys, they could cause an upset to the miner's on Sunday if care is not taken.

Ashgold are currently leading the league with 49 points whiles WAFA are 4th with 40 points, 9 points separating them. WAFA have played 14 matches as guest to other clubs, winning 1, drawing 4 and losing the rest, 9. They have scored as few as 5 and conceded 18. The league leaders, Ashgold are yet to lose a home game as they have drawn 3 and won 11 in their 14 games played. Ashgold's last 5 matches on match day 29 has seen 3 wins and 2 defeats, scoring 9 and conceding 7. In their last 5 matches, Ashgold have lost 1, won 2 and drawn 2 whiles WAFA has 3 defeats, 1 win and 1 draw.

Reports gathered reveals that, the miners are planning a big and a massive party on Sunday on accounts of beating WAFA and being crowned league champions. Obuasi will be a place to be if everything goes through for them on Sunday. 

Aduana FC  Vs  New Edubiase.

One club that is not left out of the relegation struggle since the start of the second round is New Edubiase. They having been changing position on the league log, back and forth like a swinging pendulum. This week, they travel to a dreaded grounds and a no go area as pundits has it, the Dormaa Park to play Aduana football club. How prepared are they face the slaughtering sword of Aduana. 5 o'clock on Sunday will show.

Since 29th Nov, 2009, there has been 11 meetings between the two sides. Aduana has 3 wins whiles Edubiase has 5. 14 goals has been produced in their clashes. Edubiase has scored 8 and conceded 6 from Aduana. On the league table, Aduana is 2nd with 45 points whiles Edubiase is 11th with 38 points. At home to other clubs,  Aduana have played 14 matches, won incredibly 12 and drawn 2. Very remarkable from their quarters. Surprisingly, they conceded only 2 goals at home and scored 16 in the league so far. Edubiase also has 14 games as guest to other clubs this season, won 2, drawn 3 and lost 9.

Both clubs have played 5 matches on match day 29 since 5th May, 2010. Equally, they have 2 wins and 3 loses. Aduana has scored 4 and conceded same whiles Edubiase has scored 5 and conceded 6.

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Ghana Premier League - Statistical Preview to Week 29 (Part 1)

                                           

Yes!!! The First Capital Plus Bank Premier League bounces back this weekend after going on break for 20 days (16^th Aug, 2015). This year’s league will probably go into the history books as one of the most interesting and exciting league to have been played in the country. As it stands now, clubs joining BA United for relegation and who is to win the penultimate trophy is still unknown. But, events seem to be turning into Ashanti Gold’s favour in the sense that a win for them on Sunday will see them win their first league trophy in 20 years now.

A quick glance through the fixtures for week 29 shows mouthwatering, blood and sweat thing and an all to play for, in matches involving clubs at the bottom half of the league table. The last two matches in the league will be more vital for clubs such as New Edubiase, Bechem United, Great Olympics and Heart of Lions

In the past two weeks, there has been ‘alleged’ friendship between clubs to soften their stands to allow others sinking to have a firm stand at the end of the league. Whether true or not, we hope to see the competitiveness among clubs in the various league centres’s as shown since match day 1.

Without a shred of doubt, the top liner and a cracker of a match this weekend will be Heart of Lions and Accra Great Olympics at the Ho stadium. What a match we have in our hands this weekend. Other matches include troubled Asante Kotoko who has been struck down twice this week after narrowly losing the MTN FA Cup to Meadeama due to a bad refereeing decision from Joseph Lamptey and his assistants and then again being deducted 6 points from their accumulated points and are 15^th on the league table. They face Hasaacas at the same venue this Sunday. BA United will patiently wait for Accra base Liberty Professionals and try to act as bad nut as they wave good bye to the league. At the Tema astro turf, Inter Allies will face MTN FA Cup winners this season, Medeama. Accra Hearts of Oak will also be in battle against Berekum Chelsea at the nation’s wembley whiles Ashgold could end their 20 years of winning a league trophy on Sunday by defeating WAFA. Lastly, Aduana FC plays relegation scaring New Edubiase at the Dormaa Park.

Heart of Lions  Vs  Great Olympics.

The biggest clash this weekend is the clash between these two clubs, Heart of Lions and Accra Great Olympics at the Ho Park in my opinion. The destiny to stay in the league lies in their hands in connection to their position on the league table. Quite ridiculously, both clubs are tied on the same points but only a goal separates them. Olympics are 12^th on the league table with 37 points likewise Lions, 37 points and 13^th on the league table.

Great Olympics won the first leg by three goals to two at the Accra sports stadium. Already tested the might of the Lions in the first leg and subsequently coming out with a victory, nothing will seem to scare the ‘Oly dade’ boys by causing and upset at the capital city in the Volta Region. Their clash on Sunday will be Heart of Lions’ 4^th time of playing teams from the Greater Accra Region. They have previously engaged them on 3 occasions, drawing 2 and winning 1. They have scored only 1 goal and conceded none. Contrary, this will be Olympics second visit to the region after losing 2-1 to Sogakope base WAFA in Week 3 on the 25^th of June 2015.

What makes this clash really interesting is a fight to beat the coils of relegation. Lions are yet to lose a home in the league so far whiles Olympics are unbeaten in their last 7 matches and has netted in their last 3 outings, since week 22 (19^th July, 2015). Lions have played 14 home games in the league so far. They have 9 wins and 5 draws. Subsequently, they have scored 21 and conceded 4. An interesting twist is; they are yet to concede at home in their last 3 matches (since week 24).

On the same account, Olympics have travelled 14 times as guest to other clubs in the league. They have won 1, which is better than none as compared to other clubs, drew 5 and lost the remaining matches, 8. Olympics have allowed in 17 goals and in turn netted 7.

Prince Acquah and Osman Muntaka both have 5 goals each and are the leading goal scorers for their club, Heart of Lions whiles Kwame Boateng and good old Godwin Attram have 8 and 5 goals respectively for Olympics. These players are in shape and top form for their clubs and could cause havoc to any leaking defense on any given day. Predicting the outcome of the game will be difficult. But Lions will have a home advantage over Olympics come Sunday. May the better and well prepared team win.

Hasaacas  Vs  Asante Kotoko.

The last time Sekondi Hasaacas was in the league with Great Olympics (34 points), they were both relegated in the 2009/2010 season with 21 points, alongside regional rivals, Eleven Wise (31 points). Both clubs are in the league once again and are somehow battling relegation. Hasaacas wouldn’t want what happened in 2010 to repeat itself as reports gathered this week from Sekondi reveals that, the supporters are fired up as well as the team to face the unlucky porcupine warriors, Asante Kotoko this weekend. Kotoko has been hard done  this season and has been in the news for the past two weeks for all wrong reasons. Losing the president cup on penalties to your bitterest rival, Hearts of Oak. Again, losing the MTN FA Cup to Medeama for the second time on a bad decision from the centre referee and to top it all, losing 6 points to their rivals for fielding an unqualified player. The woes of Asante Kotoko never cease to end. How prepared are they, psychological, to face Hasaacas who are strong and resilient at home this season come Sunday.

Since 2005, Kotoko has played Hasaacas 14 times in the league. They have won 8, drawn 5 and lost 1. To add to it, they have scored 19 and conceded 12 of the 31 goals produced. Then again, since 2005, Kotoko has visited the Sekondi Township 8 times for league matches. They are yet to lose a game as they have picked 5 wins and 3 draws, scoring 13 and conceding 7. Picking from the same year, the porcupine warriors have engaged Hasaacas 6 times in league matches and are again yet to lose a game against them, won 3 and drawn 3. Hasaacas only win against Kotoko was on the 14^th of April 2007 when they defeated them 1-2 at the Baba Yara stadium.

Hasaacas this season are unbeaten at home in 14 league matches. A home invincibility they will appreciate protecting as they play their last home match on Sunday. They have drawn 4, won 10 and subsequently scored 24 and conceded 8. On the flip side, Kotoko have won 4, lost 5 and drawn 5 in their 14 outings. Talking of goals, they have allowed in 17 whiles netting 16 this season. Asante 
Kotoko will pride themselves going into this match as they are unbeaten in their last 5 matches in the league (since week 24). This will be Hasaacas 3^rd time of playing Ashanti Regional teams this season. They have stamped their authority over them by winning the previous two clashes and kept a clean sheet as well (1-0 against Edubiase and 2-0 against Ashanti Gold).

BA United  Vs  Liberty Professionals.

Is all said and done for BA United and a continuous wave of good bye from them is just two matches away as they are set to join the division 1 league next season. They are bottom on the league table with 19 points. A surprise win of the remaining two matches will still see them get relegated but a bettered point accumulated from 2010/2011 league season when they were relegated with 22 points. BA United could be a bad and bitter nut for Liberty as they also desperately need all the three points at stake. 40 points seems safe for Liberty for now but looking at the closeness of the points build up by clubs, George Lamptey will have to go for the kill by picking all the three points.

Poorly, BA United are yet to pick a win in their last 3 matches against Liberty whiles conceding 8 and scoring none. In a worse scenario, they are yet to pick a win in 14 league matches since they won 2-1 against Berekum Chelsea on week 14. In their last 10 home games, they have conceded 11 goals. As much as BA United can’t score, they are also conceding in numbers as well. On a normal day, the worst results for Liberty should be a draw game at the Sunyani Coronation Park.

Unfortunately for Liberty their leading goal scorer, Kennedy Ashia is with the Black Meteors in Congo for the All African games but as collectively and beautifully as they have played this season, putting BA to the sword is just a matter of time.

Inter Allies  Vs  Bechem United.

One team that I really love their accolade is Inter Allies, ‘Eleven is to one’. Literally, it means they play as a team and as a unit, one for all and all for one. They host Brong Ahafo base club Bechem United at the Tema Park. Coach Paa Kwesi Fabien and his Allies boys will be missing the services of their inspirational captain Joseph Aidoo who is loan to Swedish club Hammarby whiles their centre back Baba Mensah, expert in penalty kicks, is with the Black Stars far away in Rwanda for Gabon 2017 Nations Cup Qualifiers. Their goalkeeper Kwame takes on the captain’s band for the remaining two games whiles Simon Martey deputizes him as vice.

Bechem United is currently 14^th on the league log with 37 points whiles Allies are 4^th with 41 points. In 14 matches played at home, Allies have lost only one and that was against WAFA in the first round. They have won 9 and drew 4 . Again, they have scored 18 and conceded 5 which is very good from their quarters. Well, in contrast, Bechem United are yet to pick an away win in this season’s league. They have woefully lost 12 and drew 2 in the process. In scoring abilities, they have scored 8 and conceded 24.

In their last 5 matches, Allies have won 1, lost 2 and drew 2 whiles Bechem have 2 wins, 2 draws and a loss. In their last 3 meetings, both have a win with one ending in a draw. Allies have scored 4 and conceded 2 in the 6 goals produced in their clashes. But sadly for Bechem, they are yet to score in their last 3 outings.

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