4 THINGS WE LEARNED ON MATCH DAY 23 OF THE FIRST CAPITAL PLUS BANK PREMIER LEAGUE.

4 THINGS WE LEARNED ON MATCH DAY 23 OF THE FIRST CAPITAL PLUS BANK 

PREMIER LEAGUE.

1. Hearts of Oak, all hands on deck now.

Continental clubs masters, Accra Hearts of Oak saw off their counterpart Hearts of Lions at the Cape Coast stadium on match day 23 in a grand style. Hearts were given one match ban by the FA for indiscipline acts shown in their fixture against Hasaacas.

Going into this match, Hearts were 14th on the league log with 26 points. There was everything to play for in this fixture. Lions on the other hand were also battling for a proper stand on the league table and were willing to throw everything in to win this clash. A lose will drop them back into the relegation zone. Fortunately for them, Hearts were playing away from their favourite grounds so they needed to take advantage of that.

Heart of Lions were left stunned as they picked 4 balls from the back of their nets in the first half. It took Selasi Adjei as early as sixth minutes to put Hearts in front, followed by Togolese international, Foovi Aguidi with a brace and Eric Kumi finishing the day with the fourth goal.

Many journalists and even a section of their supporters were very much surprised at the score line pending their poor run of results chalked in this season’s ongoing league. The last time they won by the same huge margin was back in 8th May,2013. They defeated R.T.U in Tamale by four goals to nil (Gilbert Fiamenyo and Mahatma Otto scored the goals). We could attribute this impressive display by the players to the presence of former management and board members who were at the Cape Coast stadium. Alhaji Hearts, Nii Ayi Bonte (Thomas Okine), Harry Zakkor and other members whose presence seemed to have awaken the never say die spirit from its slumber. Reports gathered after the match has it that, the players received a four thousand Ghana cedis right on the field by former board member Thomas Okine. Is an all inclusive affair now, hands and thoughts put together to help bring back the glory days. Is that the current board and management members can't handle situations like this ? Well, the subsequent matches will show if indeed the tables are being turned around in their favour.

2. Berekum Chelsea, now a real title contenders.

Having slaughtered Kumasi Asante Kotoko 0-3 at their backyard  Baba Yara stadium, a strong signal is being sent to league leaders Ashanti Gold that the league is not yet wrapped up as pundits seems to be making a case for them.

Chelsea are enjoying a purple patch as they have three wins in their last three matches,nine out of nine points. They are also yet to taste a defeat in their last 5 matches, since week 19. Chelsea have had it own problems since the start of the league and were deducted points and declared losers in every match played by the FA for failing to observe certain financial obligations in the sale of Solomn Asante to TP Mazembe. Until the issues were resolved, they were bottom on the league table and now a real title force, posing threats to league leaders Ashanti Gold.

Chelsea is the highest goal scoring club with 32 goals. Forward Kofi Owusu and attacking midfielder Stephen Baffour has scored more than 15 goals between them and are the best pair so far in the league. With the steam Chelsea is gathering whiles Ashgold are taking their foot off the pedal, the league could go down to the wire. If things stays the same as it is, Chelsea will presumably have the last laugh as they will be welcoming the league leaders Ashgold to the golden city park.

3. Ashanti Gold, almost a state of déjà vu.

If there is one memory Ashanti Gold football club wouldn't wish happening once again, then it will be the league loss in 2009. A painful  scenario and a heart braking feeling, losing a league title after leading the league for most part of the season and no other than a new entrant Aduana FC, who is yet to find its rhythm in the league.

CEO Kwadwo Fiano who was speaking to Nhyira Power Sports host Bright Kankam Boadu last week said they lost the league in 2009 because they had their eyes only fixed on Hearts of Oak which made Aduana took them by surprise. He also said that they are  leaving no stone unturn as their eyes are widely open this time around.

But 2009 league season mood seems to be happening. They have four points out of a possible 9 in their last three matches. This is  really causing a stir at Obuasi. Reports gathered around Obuasi after their goalless draw with New Edubiase indicates the supporters were so furious with the team and coach Bash as affectionately called. A feat they would wish not happening. This is the time coach Bashiru Hayford have to prove critics wrong for his hugely criticized second round league matches. With seven matches to go, the onus lies on them to pick up the pieces from where they have left it as they have a second round match to play with second placed Berekum Chelsea who have cut their lead to just two points.

4. Weekly away goals, a problem.

Week 23 matches ended across various centers producing 14 goals as in week 1, 3 & 14. One problem in the league is, visiting clubs has failed to whack in the goals on weekly basis despite having more  100 goals in total.

From week 1 to week 23, no week has produced up to 10 and more goals. This is very frightening I should say. The highest weekly goals recorded are 8 goals, recorded in week 2, 7, 8, 9, 10 & 22. The lowest goals recorded is 1. Week 1 and week 23 has produced the lowest goals, 1 each, followed by week 4 and 13 with 2 goals. Week 5, 12 & 20 has also produced 3 goals. Are the strikers missing their spots when they travel away from home. Are they frightened by the supporters or they fail to travel along with their scoring boots. The said issue could be true as the leading goal scorer who has 15 goals, Nathaniel Ohene Asamoah has failed to score in more than 5 outings now.

Ghana Premier League - Statistical Review Of Week 21

With just 9 games to bring the league to an end, AshGold have hit the 40-point mark whiles Hasaacas have ended their long away streak without a victory. In other news, Amed Toure squandered a late penalty as Kotoko failed to pip Medeama in Tarkwa, his second in as many weeks.

Let's look as some intriguing statistics so far.

 STATISTICS

• 355 - Total number of goals scored in the league, so far.
• 148 - Players who have scored in the league.
• 2.11 - Average number of goals registered per game.
• 13 - Nathaniel Ohene Asamoah (Medeama SC) has scored more goals than any player.
• 3 - Amed Toure (Kotoko), Stephen Baffour (Brekum Chelsea) and Kennedy Ashia (Liberty) have scored 10 goals.
• 2 - Players with 9 goals each : Nuhu Fuseini (New Edubiase) and Yakubu Mohammed (AshGold).
• 4 - Number of players with 8 goals : Gilbert Fiamenyo (Hearts), Noah Martey (Bechem United), Kofi Owusu (Brekum Chelsea) 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 : Richard Arhin  (Aduana) and Bernard Morrison (AshGold)
• 2 - Players with 5 goals : 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), Bernard Ofori (New Edubiase), Kwame Boateng (Olympics), Dauda Mohammed (Kotoko) and Frederick Quayson (Hasaacas)
• 18 - Players with 3 goals each.
• 34 - Number of players with 2 goals each
• 113 - Total number of home wins recorded in the league
• 17 - Total number of away wins recorded in the league
• 38 - Number of drawn games recorded this season with just 23 ending in a scoring draw
• 250 - Total number of goals scored by home teams
• 105 - Represents goals scored by visiting clubs
• 173 - Goals scored in the first half
• 182 - Goals scored in the second half
• 1-30 mins - 101 goals have been scored within this period
• 31-60 mins - 134 goals have been scored within this period
• 61-90 mins - 120 goals have been recorded in this period
• 42 - Number of penalties scored in this year's league out of a total 54
• 569 - Hasaacas have won their first away game in 569 days after defeating Hearts (1 year, 6 months, 3 weeks, 1 day). Played 18 away matches within this period, winning 1, drawing 3 and losing 14. They scored 9 goals, conceded 32 and kept just 1 cleansheet.
• 919 - Brekum Chelsea are unbeaten at home in 919 days (2 years, 6 months, 1 week). Played 34 matches, winning 27, drawing 7 and losing 0. Scoring 51 goals, conceding 12 and keeping 24 clean sheets.
• 4 - Kennedy Ashia (Liberty) and Yakubu Mohammed (AshGold) have scored the highest number of penalties this season.
• 150 - BA United have sat at the bottom of the league log since Week 7 (150 days)
• 2 - Amed Toure (2) has missed more penalties than any player in the league.
• 1 - BA United picked their 1st away point this season at the Wa Park vs All Stars, this week
• 13 - No side has picked more away points than Asante Kotoko.
• 1 - Inter Allies are the only unbeaten club in the 2nd round (4 draws, 2 wins)

6 Things We learned From Week 21 Of Ghana Premier League

 Writer: Amoah Kofi      

Twitter: @Milikykophy   

Facebook: Miliky-Amoah Kophy

Ghana Premier League

Here are six (6) significant things we learnt from Week 21 of this season's ongoing Ghana Premier League.


1. Ashanti Gold, standing on a solid ground

The Miners, as they are affectionately called have really stood on the ground and maintained their position on the league log after matchday 21. They are enjoying a purple patch this season, being the league leaders for a chunk part of the season. Surely, anything below winning the league this season will forever be cemented bad luck to their quest of annexing the league since 1995. Their CEO, Kwadwo Fiano and coach Bashiru Hayford's name will forever remain on the lips of the AshGold supporters for all the bad reasons.

As it stands now, AshGold are the only club safe from relegation. First with 40 points out of a possible 63 representing 63%. That is very much impressive, more than half of the required points. From the 4th place team Aduana, to the the last team on the log B.A United, any club is bound for relegation. Points amassed by clubs are so close in such a way that a defeat slips one club to about 2 to 3 places down on the league and vice versa. As in the case of Aduana in Week 19. From 2nd to 6th position when they lost a game to Chelsea. Ashanti Gold have really got the ducks in a row for now and with 9 matches to go, they are the only club safe from relegation and look set to wrap up the league.

2. Away win; chasing a tail

Visiting clubs have done all that they can to win matches away from home but to no avail. A quick run through matches played by clubs as visiting teams as to the number of wins chalked is very much disturbing and sickening. 17 (10%) wins only. I had to challenge this, went back to matches played since matchday 1 and do the counting myself. I was left scratching my head as the figure was correct and leaned back gently in my chair. Surprised!! That would be an understatement. Questions began running through my head. Is it that visiting clubs aren't doing enough or clubs playing at home are much stronger or the standard of our league is very low or it goes beyond these questions. A lot of "or's" to ask. 113 wins at home as against 17 away wins is so scary a difference to look and compare.

Kotoko and Ashanti Gold have enjoyed the lion's share of away wins. 3 wins for each followed by Edubiase with 2. The continental club masters, Hearts of Oak have only 1 (against Kotoko) out of 9. Very bad for the Phobian family. Clubs such as Brekum Chelsea, Liberty, B.A United, Bechem United, Medeama SC and Heart of Lions are yet to win an away match. Clubs need to put their acts together and challenge hosting clubs for all the three points at stake.

3. BA United, pulling all the stops

One of the shocking results this weekend was when BA United traveled all the way to pick a point from a dreaded ground, the Wa Park. Little did pundits and analysts give BA United a dog's chance against Wa All Stars. This might have shown that things somewhere went wrong along the line for them. Being at the bottom of the league since matchday 7 (150 days) shows they started on quite a good note but somewhere along the line; bought into their own woes which in turn is eating them up.

Bottom on the league log with 17 points and with 9 matches to go, a possible 27 points at stake. BA United could take the bull by the horn or pull the teeth of mean lion and miraculously fight for all the 27 points which will make it 44 points at the end of the league if there are any miracles in football.

Getting a point from Wa shows they are ready to pull all the stops or as it were, a flash in the pan kind of performance. They might have done themselves an injustice by letting some games they could have won slip away. Subsequent matches will tell the full length of their tales.

4. Is blood, sweat and tears thingy for both Kotoko and Hearts

Both Hearts and Kotoko require a lot of hardwork and energy to bring back their glory days. For the past 10 years, both clubs are yet to enjoy sound season with no unending series of management, players, and coach qualms. It looks like these two clubs are siamese twins, just when one's problem seem to be dying out, the others' resurfaces. They've got a lot to do to be able to stamp an absolute authority on the domestic front once more and probably Africa at large.

Kotoko's problem is quite different from Hearts. David Duncan took over Kotoko when the season had already begun. No pre-season and new crop of players to work with. Whether the players suit his style of play or not, he has to make do with them. 5 wins, 3 draws and 3 losses in 11 matches is somehow good, given his caliber. Kotoko’s problem primarily has to do with peaking at the wrong time in the season. They won more than 15 matches during pre-season which shows they could have been battling AshGold for the league title had the league started early enough. They got to the climax and as the law of karma has it they are descending coolly for all the wrong reasons. Tiredness is also having a telling effect on the players.

On the other hand, Herbert Addo took over pre-season and transfer of players. Hearts' impressive display in the Confederation Cup speaks volume of a man with a lot of experience who needs time. Sadly enough, Hearts isn’t a club to be experimenting. Instant results and hit are what the Phobian fraternity need at this time. One thing that is lucid, they should understand that they need to rebuild from the scratch. It takes sweat and blood, putting pride aside and aim for a better team in the future. Honors achieved by the 64 battalions were not on a silver platter.

5. David Duncan now beginning to find some rhythm

David Duncan’s last 4 matches in all competitions have seen him conceding only 1 goal and that was against Bechem United. He has kept 3 clean sheets which is very encouraging. Against league leaders AshGold, Hearts and Medeama were his last three clean sheets. Duncan has been in the league for so long a time to be able to handle pressure like this. He has shown with clubs such as AshGold, Olympics and Hearts of Oak that given the time and space to work, he will deliver. As ace journalist Jeffrey Asare says “grinding results in times like this is what matters”. That is what matters for Kotoko and Duncan as at now. It even means to win ugly many a time. The ultimate is to get results and get the team moving on.

6. Ghana league, now gaining some attention

In recent times, statistics about clubs and ongoing matches played are documented to serve as reference point. In time past, first and second half goals wouldn’t have been known. The FA’s site is such a bad channel for all these. Number of penalties, red and yellow cards, players and coach statistics wouldn’t have been known. Statistics is part of the modern game and makes it interesting when watching matches. It guides us as to what will happen.

Thanks to journos like Nana Pazl, Stak Sottie, Efson,  Muftawu Abdul Nabila, Evans Gyamera-Antwi, Frank Darkwah, Sports Obama, Anthony Abel Jnr and other media outlets such as Citi and Joy FM.

Kudos guys for giving the league some face lift, interesting stats, analyses and issues that need urgent attention. Someone somewhere is really admiring your work.

But one question still lingers. Is it because the foreign leagues are on a break, hence the reason for such enthusiasm? Re-echoing  Efson’s statement.

Ghana Premier League - Statistical Preview Of Week 21 (Part 2)

Writer: Amoah Kofi      

Twitter: @Milikykophy   

Facebook: Miliky-Amoah Kophy

 

Ghana Premier League

 

Here's the continuation of the statistical preview of Week 21 matches of the Ghana Premier League. (Read Week 21) 

Hearts of Oak  vs Hasaacas.

Sekondi based Hasaacas formed in 1931will travel to Accra to lock horns with the continental club-masters, Heartsof Oak on matchday 21. Yussif Basigi's boys have a huge task on their hands as they have to rewrite their scripts again in away matches given they've traveled 1 year,7 months and some days without an away win. This is quite bad for association football and very much unpleasant for their supporters to go more than one year without a win away from home. But one could also argue that, it shows how strong other clubs are at their home grounds and unwilling to drop even a single point. But the fact is, other clubs have won away from home. So why isn't Hasaacas following suit? This remains a question to be answered by them.

Herbert Addo's Hearts of Oak who defeated Kotoko on Wednesday via penalties to lift the President Cup will by all means pull the strings once again against Hasaacas who are struggling to win a match away from home. That will serve as morale booster to defeat the 9th placed Hasaacas and push themselves to 29 points on the league table. Monitoring radio today, tempers looks quite calm on the part of Phobia fans as they termed Kotoko's defeat  'a sweet one' thus, minimising pressure on Herbert Addo. This will somehow give Herbert a sigh of relief as he would get all the maximum concentration to win against Hasaacas.

These two clubs have three meetings between them from 2013 to date. Each club will be seeking their second win as they have won one apiece with Hasaacas scoring 5 and conceding 3 goals. Hasaacas have impressively won 3, lost 1 and drawn 1 of their last five matches whiles Hearts of Oak have won only 1 of their last five matches, losing 1 and drawing 3.

With the league beginning to take shape with 10 matches to go, Hearts will happily make it 6 wins against Hasaacas out of 11 matches played at home drawing 5 and losing 1. Hearts will be without their influential player Owusu Bempah because he received a red card over the weekend against BA United. Foovi Aguidi, Soulama Abdoulai, PaulAcquah, Philip Boampong and others will be standing tall against Fredrick Quayson's side, Hasaacas. A convincing win for Hearts is what is expected on Sunday.


Ashanti Gold  vs Aduana Stars.

All roads will be leading to Obuasi and probably come to a standstill as Ashanti Gold meet Dormaa based Aduana Stars for this crucial encounter. One of the topliners for the weekend,will be tensed, as there have already been some clashes amongst them in time past. Interestingly, AshGold is first on the log with 37 points whiles Aduana stay inconsistently at the second position with 32 points with 5 points separating them. A win for AshGold will further extend it to 7 whiles a loss at Obuasi will reduce it to 2 points.

There has been 9 clashes between them with no one showing superiority over the other. Each club has 3 wins, 3 losses and 3 draws, producing 15 goals. Ashgold scoring 8 whiles Aduana has 7. The Miners have won the highest number of matches in the league so far and have picked 24 points out of a possible 30 at home drawing two of their 10 matches.

Ashgold who won three straight matches in the first round, a feat that is yet to be chalked by any club in the league as at now, will possibly like to enjoy a double over Aduana as their last visit to the Obuasi Len clay park ended in 2-0 defeat. To my utter dismay, the last 8 matches Aduana have played as guests in the league have all ended in defeats. They have won only 1 and drawn 1 of their last away 10 matches.

Pundits and analysts who have come out with series of permutations and outcomes say, the league is AshGold's to lose. The coming fixtures will determine if they (Ashgold) will be able to lift their first league trophy in 20 years now after winning it in 1995.

The game will be very difficult for both sides. Fans in and around Obuasi are expected to troop to the Len Clay Park to witness this encounter. Aduana who are stubborn so-to-say and proven a hard nut to crack in matches like this will give Ashanti Gold a big run for their money but a victory for the Miners is quite assured.


WAFA  vs Heart of Lions.

WAFA have this season played one of  the beautiful football in the league so far. This kind of performances has eluded the league for far too long.  No wonder they were 2nd on the league log after the first round.

WAFA await struggling Heart of Lions at the Sogakope Park in a regional derby. Lions who are currently 14th on the league table with 25 points will see no danger looming as there are 10 matches to go with only 5 points separating them and the 5th placed team, WAFA. Yussif Aboubakar's Lions will have to go all out at  least to secure a point as they drew goalless in the first round. And then again, banned one game at home and fined one thousand Ghana cedis by the FA for failing to control crowd violence in their match against Bechem United. Their next home match will be played away from home, their favourable grounds. In this case they need to apply the brakes on John Killa's WAFA who have displayed an eye-catchy football on the pitch.

Likewise, both clubs have won only 1of their last five matches, drawing 2 and losing 2. In 10 matches for Lions, they have won 1 and drawn 2 losing the rest 7. WAFA, impressively have not conceded not  more than a goal at home per game, losing 1, drawing 2 and winning the rest of their matches played at home (7).

Zakaria Mumuni and Martin Antwi who have combined to score 7 goals each for WAFA this season as against Osman Muntaka who has 4 goals for Lions will be lacing up their scoring boots in wait for Lions to treat their fans to some entertaining football and win as well.


Berekum Chelsea  vs New Edubiase.

Former league champions, Berekum Chelsea (then Glo Premier League Champion in 10/11) will be back at their favorite home grounds, the Golden City Park after drawing 1-1 with Heart of Lions last week. Chelsea play struggling New Edubiase this weekend. Fuseini Nuhu who has 9 goals for Lions seems to be carrying the team on his shoulders alone whiles other teammates aren't pulling their weights together apparently.

These two clubs have 9 encounters between them with Chelsea winning 4, drawing 2 and losing 3. 16 goals have been produced in their encounters with Chelsea scoring 9 and allowing in 7 goals.

One question that remains to be answered by the New Edubiase defence is how they will be able to contain Stephen Baffour and Kofi Owusu who have 9 and 8 goals respectively as the best attackers in the league. Impressively, Brekum Chelsea have won 9 matches at home, drawing only 1 (against Kotoko) as against Edubiase who have won 2 matches away losing 8.

According to Isaac Amponsah popularly known as Dr. Ike, Director of Communication for Berekum Chelsea, their meeting with Edubiase on Sunday will be their 200th game since joining the Ghana Premier League in 2008. Since then they have played 199 matches so far. Won 85 matches (42.7%), drawn 55 (27.6%) and lost 59 (29.6%). Interestingly they have scored 199 goals as against 199 matches played. Averagely, 1 goal per match and conceded 165. They have amassed 310 points out of 597 representing 51.9%. In all their matches, they have met 27 opponents and their best finish in the league was winning the then Glo Premier League in 2010/2011. Their worst finish was 12th in 2013/2014 league season and are currently 4th with 30 points. Their highest points chalked is 57 in 2010/11 and worst is 40 in 2013/14 league season. And in addition, they are unbeaten at home in more than a year now.

These stats look scary and very unpleasant for Edubiase who could have chosen any other day to meet them than their 200th game on Sunday. I'm afraid but Chelsea look set to win their 86th match in all. 

 

Football is full of uncertainties but any points dropped by Brekum Chelsea will be extremely surprising.

Ghana Premier League - Statistical Preview Of Week 21 (Part 1)

Writer: Amoah Kofi      

Twitter: @Milikykophy  

Ghana Premier League

The First Capital Plus Premier League enters Week 21 with mouth-watering encounters and various mini battles for positions on the league log. Clubs such as Heart of Lions, Olympics, New Edubiase and Hearts of Oak will battle other clubs for at least a point, if not all the three points. 

Ashanti Gold vs Aduana and Medeama SC vs Asante Kotoko will be the top-liners in this weekend league matches in my candid opinion. AshGold will have a point to prove against Dormaa-based Aduana Stars given they lost the league to them in 2009 and could  further extend their points on the log pending other results. Kotoko will also look to continue their impressive form against Medeama and heal any wounds caused in their defeat to their bitterest rivals Hearts on Wednesday in the President Cup.

Week 20 matches ended with superiority from home sides as they stamped their authority on visiting teams. 6 home wins and 2 draws. However, it failed to lighten up with goals as they recorded the same amount in Weeks 4,5 and 6 with 13 goals as against 28 goals in week 19.

Below are the analyses and previews for some (half) of the upcoming matches.

Inter Allies  vs  Olympics

Tema-based Inter Allies welcome Great Olympics to their 5,000 capacity astro-turf park this weekend. Inter Allies, over the weekend ended their winless streak of seven (7) matches against Wa All Stars, thanks to an exquisitely converted penalty in the 53rd minutes by Baba Mensah, which was his first goal of the season. 

On the other hand, Olympics ended their five matches winless streak against Liberty, an early goal by veteran Godwin Attram in the 8th min was enough to see them off. Allies, this season have not conceded more than a goal per game when playing at home, obviously very impressive. 

They go into this weekend's match with their chest held up high and all the bragging rights as they defeated Olympics by a goal to nil at their own backyard in the first round. Inter Allies have lost only 1 match at home (against WAFA), drawn three and won six of their 10 matches played at home, scoring 13 and conceding just 4.

Olympics, two-time league winners in 1970 and 1974, on the other hand are 15th on the league table with 22 points, having played 10 matches as guest to clubs. Won 1, drawn 2 and lost 7. Scoring 4 and conceding 13 goals.

With coach Paa Kwesi Fabien's boys beginning to pick up the pieces, winning 1 and drawing 4 in their last 5 matches as against Olympics who have 1 win, 1 draw and 3 losses in their last 5 matches, a win for Allies won't be surprising as it will further send Olympics down the league log.

Medeama SC  vs  Asante Kotoko

One of the top-liners in this weekend's league matches comes off at the Tarkwa TNA park. Asante Kotoko will like to use this clash to appease their fans and reaffirm their superiority in matches against Medeama against the back drop of a painful President Cup loss to their rivals Hearts of Oak on Wednesday. 

Medeama, who also lost to Edubiase over the weekend, will seek their first win over Kotoko in as many matches. Both clubs are pegged on the same points (28) with goals separating each other.

These two clubs have met 10 times dating back to 2009/2010 league season. Kotoko have the lion's share with 7 wins, 2 draws and 1 defeat. 18 goals have been produced in such games with Kotoko scoring 13 goals whiles Medeama have just 5 goals. Interestingly, Kotoko's last four visits to Medeama have all resulted in a win, drawing none. A win for Kotoko will be their fifth.

The Tarkwa Mauves will like to at least protect their home invincibility as they have won 7 and drawn 3 in their last 10 matches played at home. Both clubs are pegged on the same points (28) and are again the highest scoring clubs in the league (26 goals, including Ashgold), but the number of goals conceded separates them. 

Nathaniel Asamoah, currently leading the goal chart with 13 will be meeting his former employers and will probably like to add more sorrrow to Kotoko's woes this season and probably increase his goal tally. Amed Toure who has scored in three out of last three matches and quickly catching up on Nathaniel Asamaoh has 10 goals in the league for Kotoko will look to increase his goal tally in Tarkwa.

Asante Kotoko have won 3 matches when visiting other clubs in the league. Out of 10 games, they've  scored 14 goals and conceded 15. With their undulating performance in the league, a win on Sunday will be somehow surprising against Medeama who have won only one out of their last 5 matches, sharing the spoils won't be a surprise. 

Bechem United  vs  Liberty Profs 

Bechem United, founded in 1966 and plays their league matches at the Nana Gyeabour park, a 5,000 capacity will welcome the Scientific Soccer lads, Liberty Professionals this weekend who are 6th on the league  log with 30 points. 

Liberty who were undefeated in 7 league matches lost to Olympics over the weekend by a goal to nil. Liberty will this time be seeking to break their so-to-say cursed away matches against a resolute Bechem side who are more stronger at home. They join clubs such a Medeama and others who are without an away win.

These two clubs have met 5 times spanning from 2011 to date. Their first meeting was in 2011 which Liberty won by a massive margin 5-0. They have won 3 and lost 2. Seventeen goals have been produced with Liberty having scored 11 and in turn conceded 6.

Bechem will like to make amends this time around after their goalkeeper, Rashid Seidu's howler gave Kotoko a late penalty to enable them pick all the three points last week. Bechem have lost only one match at home (against Kotoko). They have drawn one and won eight of their 10 matches played at home scoring 16 and conceding 6. As against Liberty who are winless in 10 away matches, drawn 6 and lost 4. Conceded 8 and scored only 3. The least recorded by visiting clubs in the league. Liberty's woes in away matches looks set to continue as Bechem will add them to their list of home victims. 

Wa All Stars  vs  BA United 

The Blues, Wa All Stars as they are nicknamed will be welcoming bottom rooted B.A United who are without a win in six matches now at the Wa Sports Stadium. Based on current performance and recent results, one wouldn't need any further analysis to predict the outcome of this match. Football, they say is full of uncertainties and based on this, B.A Utd could pull out a surprise at the Wa Park.

B.A United, bottom on the league log with 16 points and having conceded the highest number of goals in the league, 32, with internal wranglings taking a center stage, definitely this is a club heading for relegation with 10 games to go. The sacking of their CEO Roy Arthur last week prior to their game against Hearts of Oak game resurrected other issues pertaining to the board and management. Players on the other hand have been shrouded in bribery allegations and again intentionally losing matches so as to win huge sums of money with these betting companies, allegedly. They say he who fights and run away surely lives to fight another blissful day, prudently, it will be good if they are relegated so they put their act together for another top flight football.

These two clubs have met on three occasions in 2010, 2011 and 2015. Allt Sars have two wins and a lost, scoring 5 and conceding 3.

All Stars who are currently 3rd with 30 points will go all out to defeat B.A Utd to solidify their position on the league table so as to qualify for Top Four (4) and have a taste of African football outside the shores of Ghana. The die probably is cast against B.A Utd as they have lost all their 10 away matches conceding a whopping 23 goals, scoring only 4. This is a team not far from crises. There could be more than a goal recorded on Sunday and probably a goal fest.




 Part 2 of the preview will follow suit.

President Cup - Statistical Preview Of Hearts Of Oak vs Asante Kotoko

Writer: Amoah Kofi    

Twitter: @Milikykophy                     

 

 

Rivals, Kotoko and Hearts renew hostilities on Wednesday, July 1 for President Cup

 

The cliffhanger, a match fit for the gods and other enormous headlines that spring up when these two sides meet, will once again be resurrected as they battle each other to redeem their uninspiring performance in the domestic topflight league. 

 

The rivalry will be rekindled on Wednesday July 1, 2015 as the two most successful clubs in Ghana football lock horns for the country's 55th Republic Day at the 'Nations Wembley' in the capital of Ghana, Accra. The President Cup was instituted by former head of state, John Kuffour to honor the sitting president on the first day of July annually.

 

There is everything to play for especially when Hearts and Kotoko meet. The clash of these two sides only aggravate old wounds as it goes beyond normal 90mins football on the pitch. There are arguments before,during and after the match and sometimes continue for days in the media. Players and officials pinned to the receiving end in shrouded  bribery allegations when one suffers defeat often than not. Coaches lose their jobs and some disturbed fans losing their lives in the extremity, summarize how passionate and serious these clashes are. The unpredictability of matches between these sides sometimes makes it even more interesting. They most a time travel to win at each other's favorable home ground. That’s something intriguing and quite funny. Form guide on the other hand, from both sides has never been something dependable to predict the outcome of matches involving these two sides.

 

Continental club masters, Hearts of Oak, will have all the bragging rights going into Wednesday's match as they have already defeated the porcupine warriors, Asante Kotoko in the league early in the season at the Baba Yara stadium by a goal to nil, courtesy Selasi Adjei and winning the last two cup finals between them, a Confederation Cup in 2004 and a Novelty League in 2005. Hearts will once again be hoping to generate a cacophonic mood amongst the Kotoko supporters after Wednesday's clash as they did earlier this season. 

 

They go into the match as the defending champions after defeating Medeama SC in 2013. Two goals from Mahatma Otoo were enough to help them lift the presidential trophy. Asante Kotoko this time around will be hoping they are third time lucky to end their presidential cup hoodoo as they have lost twice in succession. In 2011, they lost to Berekum Chelsea after a 2-2 draw (Alex Asamoah and Fatau Mohammed scored for Kotoko whiles Gladson Awako and Bismark Idan equalized for Chelsea) in regulation time and eventually lost 8-7 on penalties. We famously remember this when Chelsea's penalty kicks were retaken several times which stirred an ire mood amongst Kotoko officials, who eventually abandoned their losing medals as the then vice president, John Dramani Mahama presented the trophy to Chelsea. 

 

In 2012, they lost to the same side by 2-1 after Kofi Nti Boakye had scored in the first half. Edward Kpodo equalised for Chelsea whiles Gladson Awako finished it with a pile driver to beat Soulama Abdoulai in the 73rd min. The porcupine warriors will wish for a repeated feat as the last two meetings in Accra against Hearts have ended pretty well for them. A preseason dress-rehearsal match, ended one all and one nil victory for Kotoko in the league in 2014 courtesy Seidu Bancey.

 

Both Clubs have been unimpressive in this season's league campaign with a vacillating results from both sides as Hearts have won just one game in their last five matches, losing one and drawing three (3D, 1L, 1W) whiles Kotoko have won two, drawn none and lost three (2W, 3L). But Hearts are unbeaten in their last five matches at home,three wins and two draws (3W, 2D) scoring six and conceding two whiles Kotoko's last five matches away have seen two wins, two losses and a draw (2W, 2L, 1D) scoring 10 and conceding 11.

The days of Herbert Addo are numerically numbered as the man is vastly under pressure to keep things going on well for the phobians. Both coaches will be meeting their former employers and will be hoping things churn out in their favour. It promises to be fire works as both clubs have their image are on the line. 

Your guess will be as good as mine as both clubs battle it out during Wednesday's SuperClash.

Ghana Premier League - Statistical Review Of Week 20

 

Week 20 of the domestic league left fans of Accra Hearts of Oak livid as their team failed to beat bottom-of-the-log B.A United away from home. Meanwhile Hasaacas continued their impressive home record as they applied the brakes on high-flying AshGold, elsewhere Kotoko needed a late penalty to secure all points at stake when they hosted Bechem United.

Let's look at some intriguing statistics from the league so far. 

 

STATISTICS

• 342 - Total number of goals scored in the league, so far.
• 143 - Players who have scored in the league.
• 2.14 - Average number of goals registered per game.
• 13 - Nathaniel Ohene Asamoah (Medeama SC) has scored more goals than any player.
• 1 - Amed Toure (Kotoko) has scored 10 goals.
• 3 - Players with 9 goals each : Nuhu Fuseini (New Edubiase), Stephen Baffour (Brekum Chelsea) and Kennedy Ashia (Liberty).
• 4 - Number of players with 8 goals : Gilbert Fiamenyo (Hearts), Noah Martey (Bechem United), Yakubu Mohammed (AshGold) and Kofi Owusu (Brekum Chelsea)
• 3 - Players with 7 goals each : Mo Sheriff Deo (Inter Allies), Mumuni Zakaria (WAFA) and Martin Antwi (WAFA)
• 2 - Players with 6 goals each : Richard Arhin  (Aduana) and Bernard Morrison (AshGold)
• 1 - Players with 5 goals : Stephen Nyarko (Wa All Stars)
• 8 - Players with 4 goals : Samuel Afful (Hasaacas), Osman Muntaka (Lions), Francis Kyeremeh (BA United), Doetse Agbashie (Olympics), Bernard Ofori (New Edubiase), Kwame Boateng (Olympics), Dauda Mohammed (Kotoko) and Frederick Quayson (Hasaacas)
• 18 - Players with 3 goals each.
• 34 - Number of players with 2 goals each
• 108 - Total number of home wins recorded in the league
• 16 - Total number of away wins recorded in the league
• 36 - Number of drawn games recorded this season with just 21 ending in a scoring draw
• 241 - Total number of goals scored by home teams
• 101 - Represents goals scored by visiting clubs
• 168 - Goals scored in the first half
• 174 - Goals scored in the second half
• 1-30 mins - 97 goals have been scored within this period
• 31-60 mins - 131 goals have been scored within this period
• 61-90 mins - 114 goals have been recorded in this period
• 39 - Number of penalties scored in this year's league out of a total of 49 
• AshGold have scored the highest number of penalties recorded by any club in the league (7/7); followed by B.A United (5/5)
• 0 - Heart of Lions are the only club not to have won a single penalty when playing at home this season
• Brekum Chelsea have the best attacking pair in the league. Stephen Baffour (9) and Kofi Owusu (8) have a combined total of 17 goals
• Yakubu Mohammed (AshGold) has scored more penalties than any player (4), followed by Kennedy Ashia (Liberty) with 3
• Amed Toure (Kotoko) is the 1st player to score in 3 successive game in both the 1st and 2nd rounds of the season
• 3 - Liberty Profs have scored fewer away goals than any side in the league
• 31 - Brekum Chelsea have not won an away game in 31 attempts (21 losses, 10 draws), thus 818 days (2 years, 87 days)
• 12 - Lions have the highest number of goalscorers in the league

Ghana Premier League - Statistical Review Of Week 19

Week 19 of the league was not bereft of intriguing stuff as Liberty put defending champions Asante Kotoko to the sword. Meanwhile AshGold continued their impressive form as they keep tearing away from the rest of the pack. Nathaniel Asamoah found his scoring boots whilst Amed Toure's scoring streak seemed quite going. Latif Blessing and Eric Donkor were in the news for the first time.

Let's look at the statistics of the league so far.

STATISTICS

• 329 - Total number of goals scored in the league, so far.
• 138 - Players who have scored in the league.
• 2.16 - Average number of goals registered per game.
• 13 - Nathaniel Ohene Asamoah (Medeama SC) has scored more goals than any player.
• 4 - Players with 9 goals each : Nuhu Fuseini (New Edubiase), Stephen Baffour (Brekum Chelsea), Amed Toure (Kotoko) and Kennedy Ashia (Liberty).
• 4 - Number of players with 8 goals : Gilbert Fiamenyo (Hearts), Noah Martey (Bechem United), Yakubu Mohammed (AshGold) and Kofi Owusu (Brekum Chelsea)
• 3 - Players with 7 goals each : Mo Sheriff Deo (Inter Allies), Mumuni Zakaria (WAFA) and Martin Antwi (WAFA)
• 2 - Players with 6 goals each : Richard Arhin  (Aduana) and Bernard Morrison (AshGold)
• 1 - Players with 5 goals : Stephen Nyarko (Wa All Stars)
• 6 - Players with 4 goals : Samuel Afful (Hasaacas), Osman Muntaka (Lions), Francis Kyeremeh (BA United), Doetse Agbashie (Olympics), Bernard Ofori (New Edubiase) and Kwame Boateng (Olympics)
• 18 - Players with 3 goals each.
• 33 - Number of players with 2 goals each
• 4 - Eric Donkor (Kotoko) has provided more assists (4)  in 2nd half of the league than total number of away goals scored by Liberty (3) in the whole season
• 13 - Nathaniel Asamoah has scored the same number of goals (13) for Medeama as the entire B.A Utd have managed in the entire season.  
• 7 - Eric Donkor has provided the most assists (7) in the league. The left-back leapfrogged Frederick Yamoah of Inter Allies (6) 
• 10 - No team has conceded more goals than Kotoko in the second half of the season
• 0 - B.A United remains the only club without a single point away from home
• 3 - Latif Blessing (Liberty Profs) is the 3rd youngest player to score in the league (vs Kotoko) at age 17 years, 51 days; leapfrogging Ashimeru Majeed (WAFA)
• Brong Ahafo Utd (2D 3L), Great Olympics (2D 3L) and Inter Allies (4D 1L) are the only sides without wins in their last 5 league matches
• Liberty Profs (3W 2D) and AshGold (2W 3D) are the only unbeaten teams in the last 5 league games
• 553 - Hasaacas have not won an away game in the league in 553 days (1 year, 6 months, 6 days)
• 903 - Brekum Chelsea have not lost a home game in the league for 903 days (2 years, 5 months, 3 weeks, 1 day)
• 486 - Medeama have not lost a home game in the league for 486 days (1 year, 4 months, 1 day)
• 490 - AshGold are undefeated at home in 490 days (1 year, 4 months, 5 days)
• 7 - Mumuni Zakaria (WAFA) is the 7th player to score in three successive games in the league. Others are : Gilbert Fiamenyo (Hearts), Nuhu Fuseini (Edubiase), Noah Martey (Bechem United), Emmanuel Gyamfi (Wa All Stars), Amed Toure (Kotoko) and Nathaniel Asamoah (Medeama)

Ghana Premier League - Statistical Review Of Week 18

 

With 12 matches to go, the Ghana Premier League log is gradually taking shape as AshGold continue occupying the summit of the table whilst Kotoko fetched their first win in the second round. Hearts of Oak also continued to suffer in the hands of Wa All Stars as regular nemesis. A lot of interesting stuff happened in Week 18.

Now let's delve into the league from a statistical perspective.

STATISTICS

• 301 - Total number of goals scored in the league, so far.
• 134 - Players who have scored in the league.
• 2.09 - Average number of goals registered per game.
• 11 - Nathaniel Ohene Asamoah (Medeama SC) has scored more goals than any player.
• 1 - Nuhu Fuseini (New Edubiase) has scored 9 goals this season.
• 6 - Number of players with 8 goals : Amed Toure (Kotoko), Kennedy Ashia (Liberty), Gilbert Fiamenyo (Hearts), Noah Martey (Bechem United), Yakubu Mohammed (AshGold) and Stephen Baffour (Brekum Chelsea)
• 2 - Players with 7 goals each : Mo Sheriff Deo (Inter Allies) and Kofi Owusu (Brekum Chelsea)
• 2 - Players with 6 goals each : Richard Arhin  (Aduana) and Mumuni Zakaria (WAFA)
• 2 - Players with 5 goals : Bernard Morrison (AshGold) and Martin Antwi (WAFA)
• 6 - Players with 4 goals : Stephen Nyarko (Wa All Stars), Osman Muntaka (Lions), Francis Kyeremeh (BA United), Doetse Agbashie (Olympics), Bernard Ofori (New Edubiase) and Kwame Boateng (Olympics)
• 16 - Players with 3 goals each.
• 27 - Number of players with 2 goals each
• 12 - Heart of Lions have produced more goalscorers than any other side.
•  158 - 17 year-old Dauda Mohammed (Kotoko) needed 158 days (5 months, 1 week) to score his 3rd goal of the season (vs Olympics)
• 8 - Aduana Stars have equaled Lions as the team with the highest number of clean sheets in the league
• 2 - Only Inter Allies and Olympics are without wins in their last 5 games in the league.
• 2 - Only Liberty (3 draws, 2 wins) and New Edubiase (4 draws, 1 win) are unbeaten in their last 5 games in the league
• 12 - WAFA have the best defence in the league, conceding just 12 goals.
• 39 - Kotoko have conceded 7 goals in their last 3 games, forming 39 per cent of total goals conceded this season.

Ghana Premier League - Statistical Review Of Week 17

Week 17 of Ghana Premier League was nothing bereft of shocks aplenty as defending champs, Kotoko were handed a painful defeat at home. Meanwhile the Mantse Derby lived up to the billing whilst Inter Allies and WAFA shared the spoils. Mohammed Yakubu looked ready to fight the goalking crown as he scored yet another goal... and Bernard Morrison finally came to the party somehow.

Let's take a look at some jaw-dropping statistics, so far.

STATISTICS

• 284 - Total number of goals scored in the league, so far.
• 129 - Players who have scored in the league.
• 2.09 - Average number of goals registered per game.
• 11 - Nathaniel Ohene Asamoah (Medeama SC) has scored more goals than any player.
• 1 - Nuhu Fuseini (New Edubiase) has scored 9 goals this season.
• 5 - Number of players with 8 goals : Kennedy Ashia (Liberty), Gilbert Fiamenyo (Hearts), Noah Martey (Bechem United), Yakubu Mohammed (AshGold) and Stephen Baffour (Brekum Chelsea)
• 3 - Players with 7 goals each : Amed Toure (Kotoko), Mo Sheriff Deo (Inter Allies) and Kofi Owusu (Brekum Chelsea)
• 1 - Players with 6 goals each : Richard Arhin  (Aduana)
• 2 - Players with 5 goals : Mumuni Zakaria (WAFA) and Martin Antwi (WAFA)
• 6 - Players with 4 goals : Stephen Nyarko (Wa All Stars), Osman Muntaka (Lions), Bernard Morrison (AshGold), Doetse Agbashie (Olympics), Bernard Ofori (New Edubiase) and Kwame Boateng (Olympics)
• 15 - Players with 3 goals each.
• 23 - Number of players with 2 goals each.
• 3 - Kennedy Ashia (Liberty) is only the 3rd player to score a hattrick after Kofi Owusu (Brekum Chelsea) and Yakubu Mohammed (AshGold) in this year's league.
• 2 - New Edubiase have won just 2 away games in the league. Incidentally both victories were against giants Kotoko and Hearts. Nuhu Fuseini scored in both events
• 8 - Heart of Lions have kept more clean sheets than any other club.
• Olympics have kept more clean sheets (3) when playing away than the entire number of clean sheets managed by New Edubiase (2).
• 92 home wins have been recorded in the league after 136 matches. Representing 67.65% against 11.03% away wins and 21.32% drawn games 
• 30 - Number of penalties scored in the league after Week 17, contributing to 10.56% of total goals scored in the league
• Visiting clubs have scored 86 goals representing 30.28% of total goals scored in the league as against 198 goals scored by home teams (69.72%)
• 4 - Difference between number of goals scored in the first half (140) and second half (144) in the league, thus 49.3% and 50.7% respectively
• Division of goals in the league : 1-30 mins have recorded 80 goals (28.17 per cent); 31-60 mins recorded 108 goals (38.03 per cent) and 61-90 mins recorded 96 goals (33.80 per cent) 
• 122 - Bernard Morrison (AshGold) was directly involved in a goal for the first time in 122 days (4 months, 2 days)