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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Ghana Premier League - Statistical Review Of Week 28

Let's look at some intriguing statistics after Week 28 games.

STATISTICS

• 472 - Total number of goals scored in the league, so far.
• 177 - Players who have scored in the league.
• 2.11 - Average number of goals registered per game.
• 18 - Nathaniel Ohene Asamoah (Medeama SC) has scored more goals than any player.
• 15 - Kofi Owusu (Brekum Chelsea) has 15 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 Boatemg (Olympics) and Zakaria Mumuni (WAFA) and Martin Antwi (WAFA)
• 2 - Players with 7 goals : Dauda Mohammed (Kotoko) and Bernard Ofori (New Edubiase)
• 2 - Players with 6 goals each : Asuandzie Baffoe (All Stars) and Bernard Morrison (AshGold)
• 9 - Players with 5 goals : Godwin Attram (Olympics), Prince Acquah (Lions), Frederick Quayson (Hasaacas), Doetse Agbashie (Olympics), Foovi Aguidi (Hearts), Osman Muntaka (Lions), Kojo Poku (Hasaacas), Stephen Nyarko (Wa All Stars) and Emmanuel Ankobeah (Hasaacas)
• 10 - Players with 4 goals : 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)
• 15 - Players with 3 goals each.
• 42 - Number of players with 2 goals each
• 149 - Total number of home wins recorded in the league
• 25 - Total number of away wins recorded in the league
• 50 - Number of drawn games recorded this season with just 30 ending in a scoring draw
• 331 - Total number of goals scored by home teams
• 141 - Represents goals scored by visiting clubs
• 234 - Goals scored in the first half
• 238 - Goals scored in the second half
• 1-30 mins - 140 goals have been scored within this period
• 31-60 mins - 160 goals have been scored within this period
• 61-90 mins - 163 goals have been recorded in this period
• 60 - Number of penalties scored in this year's league out of a total 74

Ghana Premier League - Statistical Review Of Week 27

Let's look at some intriguing statistics after Week 27 games.

STATISTICS

• 454 - Total number of goals scored in the league, so far.
• 172 - Players who have scored in the league.
• 2.10 - Average number of goals registered per game.
• 18 - Nathaniel Ohene Asamoah (Medeama SC) has scored more goals than any player.
• 14 - Kofi Owusu (Brekum Chelsea) has 14 goals 
• 12 - Stephen Baffour (Brekum Chelsea) has 12 goals
• 11 - Nuhu Fuseini (New Edubiase), Kennedy Ashia (Liberty) and Ahmed Toure (Kotoko) all have 11 goals
• 1 - Yakubu Mohammed (AshGold) has scored 10 goals
• 3 - Noah Martey (Bechem United), Sheriff Deo Mohammed (Inter Allies) and Richard Arhin (Aduana Stars) have 9 goals
• 4 - Number of players with 8 goals : Gilbert Fiamenyo (Hearts), Kwame Boatemg (Olympics) and Zakaria Mumuni (WAFA) and Martin Antwi (WAFA)
• 1 - Players with 7 goals : Dauda Mohammed (Kotoko)
• 3 - Players with 6 goals each : Asuandzie Baffoe (All Stars), Bernard Morrison (AshGold) and Bernard Ofori (New Edubiase)
• 6 - Players with 5 goals : Doetse Agbashie (Olympics), Foovi Aguidi (Hearts), Osman Muntaka (Lions), Kojo Poku (Hasaacas), Stephen Nyarko (Wa All Stars) and Emmanuel Ankobeah (Hasaacas)
• 11 - Players with 4 goals : Didier Kore (AshGold), Bismark Idan (New Edubiase), Samuel Afful (Hasaacas), Alhassan Nuhu (Edubiase), Prince Acquah (Lions), Osman Sackey (Lions), Isaac Quansah (Lions), Francis Kyeremeh (BA United), Benjamin Bature (Medeama), Yaw Arnol (Bechem United) and Frederick Quayson (Hasaacas)
• 16 - Players with 3 goals each.
• 40 - Number of players with 2 goals each
• 143 - Total number of home wins recorded in the league
• 23 - Total number of away wins recorded in the league
• 50 - Number of drawn games recorded this season with just 30 ending in a scoring draw
• 318 - Total number of goals scored by home teams
• 136 - Represents goals scored by visiting clubs
• 227 - Goals scored in the first half
• 227 - Goals scored in the second half
• 1-30 mins - 137 goals have been scored within this period
• 31-60 mins - 164 goals have been scored within this period
• 61-90 mins - 153 goals have been recorded in this period
• 56 - Number of penalties scored in this year's league out of a total 70

THE MTN FA CUP FINAL SHOWDWN

Writer:: Amoah Kofi

Twitter:: @milikykophy

Facebook:: Miliky-Amoah Kophy

One of the most prestigious cup in Ghana is the FA CUP, now sponsored by telecommunication giant MTN, dabbed MTN FA CUP. The competition started way back in 1958 and this season will be the 37th cup since its inception. The competition went dead in 2001 after Asante Kotoko won the last edition defeating Real Tamale United (RTU) by a lone goal. It later resurrected in 2011, taking a ten year break and has stayed on till now. The porcupine warriors, Asante Kotoko will face Tarkwa base Medeama at the Essipong Sports Stadium in this years MTN FA CUP final.

This will be the second time they are meeting in the same event and the third time this season. Kotoko lost to Medeama in 2013 at the Accra Sports Stadium when Samuel Anorbaah connected in a cross to beat Soulamah Abdoulai with few minutes to end the game. This, in a way will seem a revenge for Kotoko to appease their fans with at-least a trophy and avenge that painful defeat suffered in 2013. Medeama, who also won their first major trophy then in the club's history will definitely want to repeat the same dose on Kotoko.

Performances from both clubs in this season's First Capital Plus Bank Premier League hasn't been that convincing but fortunately for Kotoko, they seemed to have step on the gas and found the missing pieces along the way as they are unbeaten in their last five matches in the league whiles Medeama has only 1 win, 2 loses and 2 draws in their last five matches. Very sketchy for Medeama I should say but cup finals mostly have different stories to tell.

Very unfortunately, Medeama's leading goal scorer in the league, 25 year old Nathaniel Ohene Asamoah, who has 18 goals to his credit won't be playing a part as reports has it that he has landed in Morocco to undergo a medicals and subsequently sign a 3 year deal with Raja Casablanca, which makes him the third Ghanaian after Yakubu Mohammed and Awal Mohammed who has already signed with the club. This is what head coach Tom Strand said when he was asked about the absence of Nathaniel Asamoah, "hope that someone will  step up and have the courage and skills to surprise everyone".  He further added that "we are now together again to prepare for the match on Sunday. We will try and start well and comeback solidly". Spokesperson of the club Benjamin Kesse also said in an interview that "the absence of Nathaniel Asamoah could be a blessing in disguise for other players. We have alot of strikers in our team, the likes of Benjamin Bature and Akwesi Donsu who is currently the leading goal scorer in the FA Cup are all there to hold on to the forts" he said.

At camp of Asante Kotoko, the story is different as their captain Amos Frimpong, striker Dauda Mohammed and goalkeeper Eric Ofori Antwi won't be available for selection all in a bit to represent the country in the All African games scheduled in to take place in Congo Brazzaville. Former FC Nania player Prince Baffoe popular known as "Hulk"  or "Tropical" who now plays for Kotoko said in an interview with Kumasi base radio station Fox Fm that "we have talked to each other very well and this time around we are not going to allow what happened in 2013 to repeat on Sunday". This will be his fourth FA cup final on Sunday. He won it with Nania FC in 2011 defeating Kotoko, lost in 2013, and won it again with Kotoko last year. Kotoko's supporters chairman popular known as "Chairman K5" preached peace on the other hand saying "hooliganism in football should be done away with. You being harassed and beaten at one league center doesn't meant you should replicate the same on your opponent. I have forgiven them and no need to reply. Let's troop to the stadium and watch the game in peace". He was saying this in connection to alleged reports that he was beaten by Medeama supporters in week 21 when Kotoko played them in a reverse league fixture.

In the last 5 editions of the FA Cup, Asante Kotoko has played in 4 finals (2001,2011,2013 & 2014) but has won 2 of it (2001 & 2014). In total, they have won 8 FA Cup and has ended as runners-up 4 times. The club with the most FA Cup trophies is Accra Hearts of Oak. They have won the competition 10 times and 5 times as runners-up. Followed by Kotoko. Next, is Real Republicans with 4 FA Cups trophies and closely matched by Great Olympics with 3. If Kotoko are able to win on Sunday, it will be the second time of winning the trophy back to back since 1976 and 1978. Previously, there has been three clubs to have won the trophy on a back to back scenario. Asante Kotoko in 1976 & 1978, Real Republicans in 1961 & 1965 and Accra Hearts of Oak, distinctively on four occasions. Asante Kotoko has scored a whopping 15 and conceded only 2  goals en route to the finals, 7 more than Medeama who has 8 goals to their credit.

Sunday's match will be nothing short of excitement, near misses, speed, cruise control, midfield battle, defense splitting passes, tailor measured crosses and excellent showing of agility with powerful shots to beat both goalkeepers. At the back of the minds of both teams, there is an African spot for grabs. Whoever wins on Sunday automatically qualify 's to play in  Africa come next season. In addition, they take home 40,000 Ghana cedis and an extra 50,000 for their preparation to play in Africa. Runner-up takes away 15,000 Ghana cedis.

With their impressive and excellent football displayed through their qualifiers to the finals, I won't be missing this game for anything and hope you also don't.

ROUND UP OF WEEK 28 FIRST CAPITAL PLUS BANK PREMIER LEAGUE MATCHES.

Writer:: Amoah Kofi

Twitter:: @milikykophy

Facebook:: Miliky-Amoah Kophy

"How are the mighty fallen in the midst of battle!".... A quote from 1 Samuel 1:25 seems to be having a telling effect in our league, on one of our footballing giant, precisely in the camp of the continental club masters, Accra Hearts Oak. Former CAF Champions league winner in 2000 and 20 times winners in our local league are currently back at the relegation zone and are 15th on the league log. With 2 games to end the league season, the Hearts of oak fraternity will presumably be in full swing and put in much efforts behind the scenes and bounce back to pick the remaining 6 points to help them escape relegation. The league resumes on September 6th with Hearts playing Berekum Chelsea at home and WAFA away in the following week at the Sogakope Park to end the season. Critically, Hearts faith to escape relegation and stay in the league next season depends on their last match base on points build up by clubs above them and matches left. Alot of questions seems to trickle in on what has really gone wrong this season for the Phobia fraternity. Unbeaten in their last three matches, yet find themselves almost giving us a "good bye". A point at the Tarkwa TNA Park is quite laudable than to lose all the three points. Medeama has always dominated Hearts of Oak in recent matches and looked set to repeat the same dose but the spoils were shared as both teams failed to score. Goalless it ended at the Tarkwa Park.

On Saturday, the league leaders Ashanti Gold travelled to the Brong Ahafo region to engage Berekum Chelsea at the Golden City Park. A match that clearly will determine Ashgold's faith of winning this season's league really lived up to its billing. As early as the 8th minutes, former Maristburg striker, Yakubu Mohammed shot the miners in the lead with a calmly converted penalty. Chelsea's striker Kofi Owusu connected in a cross to cancel Ashgold's lead in the 35th and in the 66th minutes, Latif Salifu weaved his way through the Ashgold defence to double Chelsea's lead in the second half. The saviour I will say, Emmanuel Osei converted a second penalty for the miners in the 78th minutes to help them pick a point back to Obuasi.

At the Ho Park, Heart of Lions were at home to second place Aduana Fc this weekend. Prince Acquah converted a penalty in the 18th minute to give Lions the lead. No goals were registered again as Lions held on to pick all the three points. Very vital at this stage.

The Baba Yara wasn't left out of the action as Asante Kotoko played already relegated BA United (yet to be confirmed by the FA) who nearly served a cold dish to the Kotoko family this afternoon. Captain of the side, Amos Frimpong connected in a header from Eric Donkor's corner kick in the 18th minutes to give Kotoko the lead. Shortly after, Obed Owusu doubled Kotoko's lead in the 25th minutes before first half. Just when Kotoko thought there were controlling affairs, BA United had other ideas as Abdul Karim and Abdul Wahab pulled parity in the 63rd and 76th minute. Richard Mpong, who hasn't seen much action for a chunk part in the season for Kotoko really silenced his critics, gave head coach David Duncan a second thought about him and a last laugh for the Kotoko fans who have travelled far and near to watch their resurgent club. Mpong quickly shot Kotoko in the lead shortly after coming in as a sub and doubled his efforts three minutes later in the 82nd and 85th minutes to hand Kotoko all the three points.

Obuasi Len Clay wasn't short of excitement and nervy moments as New Edubiase fought from a goal down to defeat Yusif Bassigi's Hasaacas. Fredrick Quayson scored the first goal for Hasaacas in the 34th and his fifth in the season thus far. Just before the whistle was blown for the end of first half, Bernard Ofori leveled things up for Edubiase in the 45th minutes. With Edubiase missing a penalty in the second half, things were beginning to look bleak for them but Anabila Latif popularly called "Pogba" scored the winning goal in the 90th minutes as he did against Hearts of Oak.

Good old Godwin Attram who was all over the field in their game against WAFA could have scored a hat trick if not for the penalty he missed in the second half. Already having three goals in the league for Great Olympics, he scored his 4th and 5th goal in the season in the 50th and 78th minutes respectively. WAFA, as much as they could, tried but had no answers to the goals as they lost by two goals to nil.

Elsewhere at the Bechem Park, Bechem United held on to Noah Martey's 62nd penalty strike and the only goal in the match ( his 10th in the season) to pick all the three points at this crucial stage whiles Liberty Professionals saw off Eleven is to one, Inter Allies at the Carl Reindolf park in the closing stage of the game. With 8 minutes to end the match, Edward Ebo Mends scored the match winner in the 82nd minutes for Liberty to make sure the three points are safe in the bags.

Ghana Premier League - Statistical Preview to Week 27

Writer:: Amoah Kofi

Twitter:: @milikykophy

Facebook:: Miliky-Amoah Kophy

The race for survival and top four in league is on. With 3 matches to end the league season, clubs who find themselves wrongly placed and are getting drowned on the league table will seek to throw everything they have left so they are not coiled up by relegation. Through fair means and with their last breath left, a fight to maintain in the top flight division is assured in the closing stages. This isn't a period to share a joke with any club chairman, coaches or players since all attention seemed swayed towards escaping relegation.

A clear glance through the league table with specific attention to points shows a defeat or even a draw slips one club down to about two to three places on the league table. Points accumulated by clubs are so close in such a way no team is safe on the league log.

These weekend matches will light up the various venues with crucial encounters with the heat and chase still pending. Great Olympics who are yet to taste a defeat in their last 6 matches will welcome the lads, WAFA, from Sogakope who always delight supporters with scintillating football at the Ohene Djan stadium. The Tarkwa mauves boys will also play the continental club masters Hearts of Oak who are two steps down to the relegation zone whiles at the Baba Yara stadium, resurgent Asante Kotoko plays bottom rooted BA United who are without a win in their last 13 matches. At the Bechem park, Bechem United will seek to pick all the three points against Wa Allstars. Eleven is to one, popularly called, Inter Allies will travel to the Carl Reindolf park to square it out with Liberty in a regional derby whiles 14th placed Heart of Lions will try to end Aduana FC's hopes of surprising Ashanti Gold to the title as in 2009 as both of them play on Sunday. Lastly, Anthony Kommeh's Edubiase will humbly welcome 7th place Hasaacas at the Obuasi Len Clay Park this weekend.

Great Olympics  Vs  WAFA.

Great Olympics who are without a defeat in their last six matches in the league so far will be playing WAFA this weekend at the Ohene Djan stadium. Against all odds, Olympics picked a point from a dreaded grounds in Dormaa as they drew one all with Aduana football club. This has boosted their chance of escaping relegation aa they are currently 13th on the league table with 34 points.

WAFA who are 5th on the league table with 40 points will want to do a double over Olympics as they won the first leg by two goals to one. With Olympics seriously taking every game as a world cup final, it cast doubts of WAFA will be able to pick a win and further push them down to the relegation zone.

WAFA has 2 wins, 2 loses, and a draw in their last 5 matches in the league. This will be their 3rd time of playing teams from the capital city. They have won one (against Inter Allies) and lost one (against Liberty). Kwame Boateng (Olympics) and Zakaria Mumini (WAFA) all has 8 goals for their clubs and could increase their tally come Sunday. Ohene Djan stadium will be a one of a delight place to be on Sunday as both clubs treat their supporters to a beautiful football with one trying to escape relegation.

Asante Kotoko  Vs  BA Unite.

The story between Asante Kotoko and BA United has always been that of a lion and an ant. Kotoko, indeed has been roaring like a lion over BA United in their meetings in time past. In view of this, their meeting this weekend might not be different from previous meetings. There has been 60 meetings between these two sides. Kotoko has 46 wins whiles BA United has ONLY 6 wins with 8 ending in stalemate. Since the introduction of the Premier League system in 1999, they have met 11 times. Kotoko has go ahead to be on the winning side on 8 occasions, scored 23. BA has 2 wins and scored 7 with only 1 draw. Asante Kotoko really have an upper hand over BA United.

Since 1999, Kotoko has played 8 matches on match day 28 in the Premier League. They have won 6 and lost 2, scoring 11 and conceding 6. On the other hand, BA has played 2 matches on match day 28 since 2000. Unfortunately, they have lost all, conceded 5 goals and scored none. In a worst scenario, the last time they won an away game in the league was way back on 24th Oct 2004 (10 years 10 months). They defeated Tano Bofoakwa two goals to nil (0-2).

Amed Toure and Dauda Mohammed has scored the most goals for Kotoko this season, 11 and 5 respectively whiles Francis Kyeremeh and Danso Isaac has 4 and 1 respectively. How are the defense of BA United going to stand against a resurgent Asante Kotoko who are unbeaten in their last 4 games both home and away. BA United, on the flip side are yet to pick a win in 13 league matches as at now. The last time they won a match in the league was a 2-1 win against Berekum Chelsea on 26th April 2015 on match day 14.

This looks pretty much easy to predict but lets not forget there are surprises in football. Anything is bound to happen but a win for Kotoko is much expected.

Medeama SC    Vs   Hearts of Oak.

Only 2 points separates both teams, Meadeama and Hearts of Oak on the league log. The Tarkwa Mauves are 9th with 37 points whiles Hearts are 12th with 35 points. A defeat for either side on Sunday will see a drop to the relegation zone since clubs beneath them are playing at home. And all other things being equal, they will rise above them on the league table if they should win.

Since Kessben sold their Premiership status to Medeama in 2009, they have met 9 times. Medeama has won 5 times whiles Hearts has ONLY one win with 3 ending in drawn games. 25 goals has been produced in their clashes with Medeama netting 15 times and in turn allowing in 10 goals. Medeama has played Hearts 4 times at home. They have won 2 and drawn 2 and are yet to lose to Hearts at the Tarkwa TNA Park. 8 goals has been produced with Medeama scoring 5 whiles Hearts has scored 3.

The Tarkwa Mauves has 3 clean sheets in their last 5 matches played at home whiles Hearts have kept only 1 clean sheet (against Liberty)  in their last 5 outings. Generally, in their last 5 matches in the league, Medeama has 2 wins, 1 draw and 2 defeats whiles  Hearts has 3 wins and 2 loses. When it comes to goals, Medeama stands tall. Nathaniel Ohene Asamoah who is currently leading the goal king race has 18 goals for Medeama whiles Gilbert Fiamenyo and Foovi Aguidi has combined to score a total of 13 goals, 8 and 5 respectively for Hearts of Oak. The last 5 matches for Hearts on match day 28 since 2009 has seen them winning 3 and losing 2. Woefully, they have conceded on all match day 28 since 1999. On the flip side, Medeama are yet to draw or lose a match on match day 28 at home. They have played 4 and won all, scoring 8 and conceding 3.

Bechem United  Vs  Wa Allstars.

Wa Allstars  will travel from Wa to play relegation threaten Bechem United at the Park this Sunday on match day 28.  Bechem United who has lost only one match at home in the league will want to protect their home invincibility from there with a win so as to move away from the relegation zone. Allstars has a huge task on their hands to make Bechem,dance to their tune by picking all the three points as they lost at home to Liberty last week.

There  has been 5 meetings between them. Both have two wins with one ending in stalemate. Allstars has scored 5 whiles Bechem has 3 goals in their 8 goals produced. Allstars has 2 wins and 3 loses in their 5 matches played in the league. Bechem on the other hand has 1 win, 2 loses and 2 draws in their last 5 matches in the league.

The highest goal scorer for Bechem is Noah Martey who has 9 goals  whiles Kweku Asuandzie Baffour has 5 goals for Allstars. Bechem united has won 9 matches at home in their 12 matches played. They have lost 1 and drawn 2. Allstars, unimpressively has won only one match away, lost 9 and drawn 2 of their 12 matches played. They have picked 16 goals from their nets in the process and scored 6. Allstars has won 1, drawn 3 and lost 1 in their last 5 matches played on match day 28 since 2010.       

Ghana Premier League - Statistical Review Of Week 26

Let's look at some intriguing statistics after Week 26 games.

STATISTICS

• 439 - Total number of goals scored in the league, so far.
• 169 - Players who have scored in the league.
• 2.11 - Average number of goals registered per game.
• 18 - Nathaniel Ohene Asamoah (Medeama SC) has scored more goals than any player.
• 13 - Kofi Owusu (Brekum Chelsea) has 13 goals 
• 12 - Stephen Baffour (Brekum Chelsea) has 12 goals
• 11 - Nuhu Fuseini (New Edubiase) and Ahmed Toure (Kotoko) have 11 goals
• 2 - Yakubu Mohammed (AshGold) and Kennedy Ashia (Liberty) have scored 10 goals  each.
• 3 - Noah Martey (Bechem United), Sheriff Deo Mohammed (Inter Allies) and Richard Arhin (Aduana Stars) have 9 goals
• 3 - Number of players with 8 goals : Gilbert Fiamenyo (Hearts), Kwame Boatemg (Olympics) and Zakaria Mumuni (WAFA)
• 2 - Players with 7 goals each : Mumuni Zakaria (WAFA) and Dauda Mohammed (Kotoko)
• 2 - Players with 6 goals each : Bernard Morrison (AshGold) and Bernard Ofori (New Edubiase)
• 7 - Players with 5 goals : Doetse Agbashie (Olympics), Foovi Aguidi (Hearts), Asuandzie Baffoe (All Stars), Osman Muntaka (Lions), Kojo Poku (Hasaacas), Stephen Nyarko (Wa All Stars) and Emmanuel Ankobeah (Hasaacas)
• 9 - Players with 4 goals : Samuel Afful (Hasaacas), Alhassan Nuhu (Edubiase), Prince Acquah (Lions), Osman Sackey (Lions), Isaac Quansah (Lions) Francis Kyeremeh (BA United), Benjamin Bature (Medeama), Yaw Arnol (Bechem United) and Frederick Quayson (Hasaacas)
• 17 - Players with 3 goals each.
• 36 - Number of players with 2 goals each
• 139 - Total number of home wins recorded in the league
• 22 - Total number of away wins recorded in the league
• 47 - Number of drawn games recorded this season with just 28 ending in a scoring draw
• 309 - Total number of goals scored by home teams
• 130 - Represents goals scored by visiting clubs
• 221 - Goals scored in the first half
• 218 - Goals scored in the second half
• 1-30 mins - 132 goals have been scored within this period
• 31-60 mins - 161 goals have been scored within this period
• 61-90 mins - 146 goals have been recorded in this period
• 54 - Number of penalties scored in this year's league out of a total 68

Ghana Premier League - Statistical Review Of Week 25

Let's look at some intriguing statistics after Week 25 games.

STATISTICS

• 414 - Total number of goals scored in the league, so far.
• 163 - Players who have scored in the league.
• 2.07 - Average number of goals registered per game.
• 17 - Nathaniel Ohene Asamoah (Medeama SC) has scored more goals than any player.
• 12 - Kofi Owusu (Brekum Chelsea) has 12 goals 
• 11 - Nuhu Fuseini (New Edubiase) and Stephen Baffour (Brekum Chelsea) have 11 goals
• 3 - Amed Toure (Kotoko), Yakubu Mohammed (AshGold) and Kennedy Ashia (Liberty) have scored 10 goals  each.
• 2 - Noah Martey (Bechem United) and Richard Arhin (Aduana Stars) have 9 goals
• 3 - Number of players with 8 goals : Gilbert Fiamenyo (Hearts), Kwame Boatemg (Olympics) and Mo Sheriff Deo (Inter Allies)
• 2 - Players with 7 goals each : Mumuni Zakaria (WAFA) and Martin Antwi (WAFA)
• 2 - Players with 6 goals each : Bernard Morrison (AshGold) and Dauda Mohammed (Kotoko)
• 4 - Players with 5 goals : Kojo Poku (Hasaacas), Bernard Ofori (Edubiase), Stephen Nyarko (Wa All Stars) and Emmanuel Ankobeah (Hasaacas)
• 8 - Players with 4 goals : Samuel Afful (Hasaacas), Osman Muntaka (Lions), Francis Kyeremeh (BA United), Doetse Agbashie (Olympics), Asuandzie Baffoe (Wa All Stars), Foovi Aguidi (Hearts), Yaw Arnol (Bechem United), and Frederick Quayson (Hasaacas)
• 21 - Players with 3 goals each.
• 36 - Number of players with 2 goals each
• 134 - Total number of home wins recorded in the league
• 21 - Total number of away wins recorded in the league
• 45 - Number of drawn games recorded this season with just 27 ending in a scoring draw
• 291 - Total number of goals scored by home teams
• 123 - Represents goals scored by visiting clubs
• 210 - Goals scored in the first half
• 204 - Goals scored in the second half
• 1-30 mins - 123 goals have been scored within this period
• 31-60 mins - 155 goals have been scored within this period
• 61-90 mins - 136 goals have been recorded in this period
• 51 - Number of penalties scored in this year's league out of a total 65

WEEK 27 ROUND UP OF THE FIRST CAPITAL PLUS BANK PREMIER LEAGUE MATCHES.

Writer:: Amoah Kofi

Twitter:: @milikophy

Facebook:: Miliky-Amoah Kophy

8 league matches were played across various league centers of the First Capital Plus Bank Premier League as it entered week 27 with few surprising score lines. Before week 27 matches, clubs such as Great Olympics and Accra Hearts of Oak were to at least draw or pick a win in their respective matches since their position on the league log were nothing to write home about but a relegation bound.

The title chase was on at the top with Aduana Fc giving league leaders Ashanti Gold a hot chase with only 1 point separating them and the battle for top four was also in contest as Inter Allies were hosting Kumasi Asante Kotoko at the Tema Astro turf.

At the Sekondi stadium, Hasaacas made sure relegation threatened Heart of Lions had no chance for a point as Joseph Mugre scored an early goal in 14th minutes and the only goal to separate both sides. No surprise to their win as they have been very solid at home in this season’s league matches. WAFA on the other hand made sure they dash away Berekum Chelsea's hopes of annexing the league trophy for the second time since 2010 by defeating them two goals to one. Martin Antwi scored his 8th goal of the season in the 28th minutes whiles national U-20 striker Samuel Tetteh deepened Chelsea's woes by scoring the second goal in the 57th minutes. Striker Kofi Owusu pulled one back in the 77th minutes as it ended 2-1 at the Sogakope park.

Elsewhere at the Sunyani Coronation Park, BA United played host to New Edubiase with both picking a point at the end. Former Berekum Chelsea striker Bismark Idun opened the scoring for New Edubiase in the 65th minutes and as quickly as possible BA United pulled leveled 4 minutes later in the 69th minutes through Samuel Norgbey. No goals were recorded as it stayed one all.

To prevent any relegation stories and permutations with 3 matches to go, Hearts of Oak had no excuse than to pick all the three points as they were 15th on the league log. True to it, Kenneth Okoro scored his second goal of the season and the only goal in the 24th minutes as Hearts held on to it to pick the maximum three points at stake. Currently 12th on the league table and as comfortable as it could be for them for now with 3 matches to end the league season. Far away at the Wa park, little did we give Liberty any chance of causing a stir to pick not even one but defied all odds to pick all the three points at stake. Allstars were the favorite to dawn Liberty as they lost away 3-1 to Kotoko in midweek at the Baba Yara stadium with Kweku Asuandzie Baffour scoring a spectacular non drop volley against Kotoko in midweek, opened the goal account in the 16th minutes for Wa Allstars. His 6^th goal in the season so far. 3 minutes later Liberty pulled parity through Felix Addo in the 19th minutes and with 11 minutes to full time; Kennedy Ashia scored the match winner in the 79th minutes for Liberty to pick all the three points and their second away win in the season.

At the Obuasi Len Clay Park, league leaders Ashanti Gold bit their nails as they were nearly stunned at their own backyard but managed a crucial 2-1 win over Medeama. Kwesi Donsu who has been impressive for Medeama this season made his presence felt as he scored an early goal in the 7th minutes for the mauves. Ivorian international Didier Kore cancelled Medeama's lead in the 32nd minutes and rounded it up with a neatly converted penalty in the 80th minutes to keep their title hopes alive. At the Dormaa park, which has been a no go area for visiting clubs rather experienced a cold feeling as Great Olympics picked a point to make sure they survive relegation and see Aduana's one point chase tripled to three points. Isaac Nyarko scored his first goal of the season for Olympics in the 60th minutes but Nana Yaw Afriyie scored a late penalty with 7 minutes to go in the 83rd minutes to end the tie one all.

Reports emanated from the Tema Park has it that both Inter Allies and Asante Kotoko fluff their chances to carry the day as they missed begging chances in both first and second half. Kotoko made only one change to their squad that thrashed Allstars in midweek with Amed Toure taking youngster Dauda Mohammed's place in the starting lineup. After both missing alot of chances, they stayed resolute and firmed at the back as it ended goalless in Tema.