Saturday, 20 February 2016

GHANA PREMIER LEAGUE: Preview to WAFA vs Asante Kotoko




By Kofi Amoah.


This season’s Ghana Premier League will be its 55th edition since its inception in 1958; 54th and 5th edition for Kotoko and WAFA (Feyernoord) respectively.

It bounces back after 156 days of no premier action in the country. Pundits, journalists, football analyst, soccer loving fans have gone thirty for far too long.

Luckily, Kumasi Asante Kotoko and West African Football Academy (WAFA) will be ushering us into a fresh 2015/2015 league season on Saturday, the 20th of February 2016.

The Porcupine Warriors will travel to square it out with the former Feyernord side at the Sogakope Stadium where they lost by a goal to nil last season.

These two sides have met on six occasions since 2005/2006 league season. Both have two wins each and two ending in a draw. Six (6) goals have been produced with each netting three times.

Since 2004, WAFA has managed only one home win on Match Day 1. Lost one zero to Heart of Lions in 2004, and won on the same margin the following year against Kade Hotspurs. On the flip side, Kotoko has also managed to come out victorious once on Match Day 1 since 1999; drawn six (6) and lost three (3). Scored seven (7) and conceded eleven (11).

Being tough and resolute at home, WAFA has lost 7, drawn 15 and won 29 in their 51 matches played after losing to Lions in 2004. Their goals for is perked at 60 and allowed in 28.

On the other hand, the Porcupine Warriors first won an away match on 28th March 1999, a 1-2 win against Liberty Pro. Since then, they have played a total of 232 games as visitors to other clubs. Won 93, drawn 72 and lost 67, scoring 246 and conceding 209.

Asante Kotoko last season was the team with most win in away matches  with 5 wins, 5 draws and 5 loses.

Missing in action for Kotoko will be Jackson Owusu who has been ruled out of the season over a broken leg. 18-year old Dauda Mohammed, Kwame Boateng, Frank Sarfo Gyamfi and Adzeko Mandela will all be absent for the Porcupines.

Both clubs have been very impressive in the pre-season preparatory matches for the up-coming league. Kotoko has been the much talked about team with pundits touting them as overwhelming favourite for the league after a flawless ride in matches during the pre-season.

But the likes of Majeed Ashimeru, Ibrahim Tanko, captain Martin Antwi will be putting up their tailored measured passes with sweet inter positional switches and defence splitting passes.


 Although the clash between current league winners Ashanti Gold and FA Super Cup winners Medeama, is undoubtedly the top liner for the week, WAFA and Asante Kotoko will be a hell of a cracker.

Saturday, 6 February 2016

GHANA FA SUPER CUP; Honours At Stake As Medeama Battles Ashanti Gold For The Ultimate


By Kofi Amoah.


The FA Super Cup is set to take on at the Ohene Djan Stadium on Sunday, after the cup was successfully launched on Wednesday, 3rd of Feb 2016. Who will have all the bragging rights, a question every soccer loving fan will be asking as these two clubs, Medeama and Ashanti Gold, squares it out to usher us into a brand new season.

Ashanti Gold won the league last season after almost two decades, throwing the Obuasi Township into an ecstatic frenzy mood. Indeed, it was a place to be. The Miners amassed a total of 52 points to claim the league trophy, being one of the least number of points obtain by a club (same as Hearts of Oak in 2008) in the last ten (10) seasons. It was a nail biting feeling to the end but they held on strongly to be crowned champions.

The Mauve and Yellow on the other hand enjoyed a purple patch to the MTN FA Cup Finals, dispatching Accra Hearts of Oak en-route to the finals and brushed away current winners Asante Kotoko to a masterpiece of a performance at the Sekondi Stadium. It was the club’s second FA Cup title.

Medeama SC celebrating their 2nd MTN FA Cup win last season
Medeama is appearing for the second time at the 18th edition of the FA Super Cup as they were thrashed and demolished by Kotoko to three goals to nil last seasons. Goals from Seidu Bancey, Abeiku Ainooson and Yahaya Mohammed were enough to revenge the porcupines painful one zero lost earlier on.

Interestingly enough both clubs have qualified to represent the nation in the next CAF Cup competitions. Ashgold will be playing in the Champions League against Algerian side, MO Bejaia, who is currently third with 30 points in the Algerian Ligue 1 with 19 matches played so far. Whiles the Mauve and Yellow has drawn bye in the preliminary round and will face either Al Ittihad of Libya or AS Sonidep of Niger in the 1/16th stage.

In the maiden edition of the Ghalca organize tournament, First Trust G6, both clubs had a torrid time. Scoring only a goal in their two matches played. They had been criticized and lambasted for their lack luster performances displayed during the competition, with many raising eye brows as to how ready they are for Africa.

Obuasi Ashanti Gold
Well, it seems both clubs have step up their preparations with series of friendly games. The Tarkwa-based club white-washed a division one side, Karela FC by three goals to nil whiles Ashgold also saw off Achiken FC, a division one side based in Obuasi by the same margin.

In league meetings, Ashanti Gold and Medeama have engaged each other ten (10) times. Since Kessben sold its premiership rights to Medeama in the 2010/2011 season, dating back to 17th October 2010.

They have enjoyed some level of superiority over the current league winners, Ashanti Gold, winning four (4) out of the ten (10) meetings, drawing four (4) and losing two (2). In their clashes, 15 goals have been produced, with the Mauve and Yellow whacking in ten (10) and allowing in half of the amount scored.

The last time the two met was a 27th Week Fixture, at the Obuasi Len Clay Stadium last season. An early goal from Kwesi Donsu in the 7th minute wasn’t enough as Ivory Coast International Didier Kore, rose higher and cancelled their lead on the 32nd mark. Placing the icing on the cake, he scored the winner through a spot kick with 10 minutes to end proceedings.

A quick run through their last five visits to the Ohene Djan Stadium where they will be locking horns come Sunday, the 7th of Feb 2016. Ashanti Gold has won only one of their five (5) matches, lost three (3) and drawn one (1). They have scored seven (7) and conceded (9). On the other hand, Medeama SC have won two (2), lost two (2) and drawn one (1), scoring eight (8) goals and conceding seven (7) in the process.

The last two matches played by both clubs on the 7th of February have ended in one win and a loss. Last season, Medeama won their home game against Berekum Chelsea by a lone goal and lost in 2012 in an away game to New Edubiase by the same margin. Ashgold likewise lost by a goal to nil against Liberty Professional at the Dansoman Carl Reindorf Park last season. And in 2010, they defeated New Edubiase by two goals to one in an away game.

Clearly, the formerly known Kessben side is slightly ahead of the ‘Aboakesse’ lads. Their coach, Tom Strand has fired warning shots, declaring that his team is far ahead of the Miners and is super favourite to topple them for the cup.

There are is everything to play for with pride at stake most especially. Both clubs have made a couple of signings during the transfer window. 

Godfred Rockson, a defender, crossed carpet from the Mauve and Yellow club to the gold mining town to wear the yellow and black jersey for Ashanti Gold on a two-year deal. He will be meeting his former employers come Sunday. They again secured the services of Hassacas marksman, Fredrick Quayson for two seasons. Fuseini and Alhassan Nuhu (New Edubiase) and Isaac Amoah (Amidaus Professionals) were other additions to the club. Kennedy Apiah has also left the club to join Accra Hearts of Oak whiles Yakubu Mohammed (Raja Cassablanca, Morocco), Lawrence Lartey (Ajax Cape Town, South Africa) and Bernard Morission (AS Vita Club, Congo) have all departed.

Medeama on other side has beefed up their squad with Bernard Ofori (N. Edubiase), James Akaminko (WA All Stars), and Michael Sai (Berekum Chelsea). Adding up to the Kwesi Donsu’s and Benjamin Bature’s


Losing once again, in two FA Super Cup Finals, will be something Medeama would want to pull all the stops to prevent it happening once again. Is going to be a cagey encounter especially in the opening minutes of the game but an end-to-end action await, as the tie wears out. Whoever takes his chances is sure of carrying the day.

Follow the writer on Twitter @milikykophy and on Facebook at Miliky-Amoah Kophy.

Saturday, 26 September 2015

2014-15 FIRST CAPITAL PLUS BANK PREMIER LEAGUE XI








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

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

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

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

DEFENCE

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

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

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

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

MIDFIELD.

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

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

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

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

FORWARDS.

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

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

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

Thursday, 24 September 2015

Ghana Premier League - Statistical Review Of Week 30



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

STATISTICS

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

    Ghana Premier League - Statistical Review Of Week 29



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

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

    Sunday, 13 September 2015

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

    Follow the writer on Twitter @milikykophy and Facebook on  Miliky-Amoah Kophy

    Saturday, 5 September 2015

    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 15th position to 7th. 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 10th 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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