Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak moved closer to the top of the table after league leaders Aduana dropped points in Dormaa.
Here are five talking points from matchday 14.
ADUANA STARS NO LONGER COMFORTABLE
Aduana Stars’ title ambitions could be short-lived following their inconsistent performances recently. They have blown away several chances to extend their lead on top of the table and their draw against Accra Lions over the weekend has made it easier for Kotoko and Hearts to hunt for the title. Both teams are just a point away from Aduana. The Ogya boys have yearned for the title since last winning it in 2017 and affording Kotoko and Hearts the opportunity to move closer to the top could cost them in the long run.
HEARTS OF OAK END TARKWA CURSE
Hearts of Oak snapped a four-game losing streak at Medeama with a narrow victory at Tarkwa’s Akoon Park. Medeama were confident going into the game, but Hearts fought hard to earn all three points.
The victory, which moves them to third place on the log, will boost their title chances as they focus entirely on it to compensate for missing out on the FA Cup. While their opponents have split their attention between the FA Cup and the league, the Phobians are focused solely on the league.
🔴🟡🔵 || 🤝
Our changing room scenes after win against Medeama yesterday.
We Never Say Die 💪
#AHOSC#NeverSayDie pic.twitter.com/K2afbEGiNm
— Phobians – #MTNFACupChampions🏅🏆 (@HeartsOfOakGH) January 29, 2023
DIFFICULT START FOR HARUNA IDDRISU
Politician Haruna Iddrisu purchased Karela United in December 2022, which excited fans because they believed his investment would yield huge benefits. However, the project hasn’t gotten off to the expected start, with Karela struggling to impress after finishing fourth last season.
Karela United have played five games since the takeover, with only one victory, against Aduana Stars. They had hoped to build on it, but were defeated again at Great Olympics over the weekend, dropping them into the relegation zone. With only 17 points from 14 games, the club’s situation is dire. They must improve in order to avoid relegation.
MUKWALA SAVES SEYDOU ZERBO
Stephen Mukwala scored twice as Kotoko thrashed Kotoku Royals, relieving Burkinabe coach Seydou Zerbo of some of the pressure.
Kotoko came into the game off the back of a difficult FA Cup win over lower-tier side Benab FC, but had not won a league game in four. There were reports that if they did not win, Zerbo would be fired.
However, his players came to his aid with a five-star performance, led by Mukwala, as Kotoko defeated Kotoku Royals 5-1 to keep Zerbo at the helm. The Burkinabe will hope that his team can repeat their performance from Sunday in their next games to silence their critics.
DEBUT DELIGHT FOR ABEDNEGO TETTEH
Gold Stars new signing Abednego Tetteh scored a brace as they beat Tamale City 3-2 in Saturday’s thrilling encounter. It was certainly the moment the 32-year-old needed to revamp his career following his struggles with King Faisal and Hearts of Oak. The striker had scored just twice for the former in 11 appearances but matched that number on his debut. The icing on the cake was the fact that the win sent Bibiani back to the top four.
KING ZLATAN 👑 💥💥💥 pic.twitter.com/mbABE3ENcM
— Bibiani GoldStars SC (@GoldStarsSc) January 28, 2023
