The 2024/25 Ghana Premier League is gradually approaching the halfway stage.
After matchday 12, the league is five games away from the end of the first round. Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak still remain among the major talking points, while Nations FC have been usurped by Bibiani GoldStars at the top of the table.
3Sports takes a look at five talking points from the weekend’s action.
Kotoko back to winning ways
Patrick Asiedu and Albert Amoah were on the scoresheet as Kotoko secured their first league win since matchday 7. After four successive defeats, Kotoko managed to find their spark in Dormaa against an insipid Aduana Stars.
After missing Kotoko’s last two games through a knee injury, the Porcupine’s top scorer, Albert Amoah, marked his injury return with a stoppage-time goal to cap a remarkable 2-0 win.
The win moves Kotoko to 18 points, one behind fierce rivals Accra Hearts of Oak, and sets the tone for their highly anticipated league game on matchday 13.
Hearts of Oak handed reality check ahead of Super Clash
Hearts of Oak were given a reality check by Nsoatreman at the University of Ghana Stadium on Saturday before their super clash fixture with Kotoko.
After Nsoatreman stunningly took the lead, a well-drilled free kick from Salim Adams equalized the score as the game ended 1-1.
Hearts’ run of successive games was unfortunately brought to an abrupt end as they failed to secure maximum points.
The high-flying rainbow colors have been tainted after a flawless three-game run. Hearts of Oak seem to have been given a harsh reality check by Nsoatreman, who have been struggling in the league.
The Phobians were expected to ease their way past Nsoatreman, but Ouattara’s men looked out of their depth and not at their fluid best.
An apt defensive performance from Nsoatreman saw Hearts limited to shooting from afar, walking away with a mere point.
The result is damming for Hearts of Oak, especially with a fierce encounter against fierce rivals Asante Kotoko on the horizon.
Hearts are just a point above Kotoko, who they face on November 13.
Nations FC home run halted after Berekum Chelsea defeat
Since the start of last season, Nations FC were been flawless at home, making significant strides and yet to be defeated at home.
Last season, Nations were the only side not to lose at home. The same momentum was carried into this season, leading to the Kumasi-based heading the table moving into matchday 12.
However, after an outstanding smash and grab, coupled with a solid defensive display, Berekum Chelsea handed Nations FC their first-ever home defeat since making their way to the top flight.
On the day, their most important player this season, Faisal Charwetey, was kept at arms length by Berekum Chelsea’s defence.
The defeat heavily impacted Nations FC—in terms of the league standings—as they relinquished the top spot to Bibiani GoldStars.
GoldStars back on top
A golden 2-0 victory for Bibiani GoldStars as the top of the league changed hands yet again.
A strong second-half performance saw Kumi Attah net a brace for the Golden Boys, who eased their way past hapless Vision FC.
Coach Frimpong Maanso, who has been recently criticized for his conservative approach, was rewarded after implementing a front-foot strategy.
In and out of possession, the game was controlled by GoldStars. They were quick to second balls, defended gallantly at the back, and capped it off with beautiful passages of play.
The result puts GoldStars in a commanding position as the first round nears a conclusion.
Anyone’s to lose in relegation battle
From bottom side Accra Lions, stuck on nine points, through to 11th placed Nsoatreman, are involved in the relegation battle.
The margins are few and far between teams—very fine margins, to be precise. A win and you’re out of danger; defeat puts you in an unwanted place.
The three relegation spots are occupied by Vision FC, Legon Cities, and Accra Lions. Even between these sides, there are only two points between bottom-placed Accra Lions and the aforementioned two.
Both locked on 11 points, they are level together with Dreams, who sit 15th, a point behind 14th placed Aduana Stars, who are also level with 13th placed Karela and a point behind Nsoatreman (11th) and Young Apostles (12th).
The competition at both ends of the table is as tight as ever. The relegation battle, given how the league has panned out, may go all the way to the last day.
