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Five talking points from Ghana Premier League matchday 15

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Accra Lions and Bechem United entered the top four while Kotoko and Hearts dropped points in midweek. Kotoku Royals and Karela United also bounced back to victories after the 14th round of matches.

Here are five talking points from matchday 15

KOTOKO OUT OF TOP FOUR

Following a 1-0 defeat to Karela United on Thursday, Asante Kotoko fell from second to fifth in the league standings. Despite their officiating woes, the Porcupines were startled by a dubious penalty kick and have now failed to win consecutive games in three months. Seydou Zerbo’s men last won back-to-back games in November 2022 over Samartex and Medeama. They are now four points behind Aduana Stars, who now top the standings with four points more.

KARELA OUT OF THE RELEGATION ZONE

Karela United came back from a weekend setback to Great Olympics to grab a home victory. The Anyinase lads have struggled for form all season, but their win over Kotoko not only gives them six out of a possible nine points in the last three games but also moves them out of the relegation zone. Karela is gradually regaining their home advantage as they’ve gone unbeaten in five matches. Maintaining and perhaps improving their home record might be crucial if they are to stay in the league.

BECHEM UNITED AND ACCRA LIONS IN TOP FOUR

Both Bechem United and Accra Lions have shown flashes of becoming championship contenders in recent weeks. Bechem United thrashed Real Tamale United 6-2 to record three wins in a row. While the win moves them up to third place in the league rankings, it also means they have only lost one game in their last nine. They last won three straight games in December 2020. They finished third last season and will want to go even better this season given their previous consistency.

Accra Lions, on the other hand, have risen to the top several times and might capitalize on the ‘favourites’ inconsistencies to secure their position. Their 2-0 win over Great Olympics has moved them into second place, just two points behind Aduana.

A GLIMMER OF HOPE FOR KOTOKU 

On Tuesday, bottom-placed Kotoku Royals earned a much-needed victory over Bibiani Gold Stars to achieve 10 points in their maiden season in the top division. Following their previous victory over Berekum Chelsea, they have lost three consecutive games. Kotoku Royals are still a long way from escaping the relegation zone, as they now trail eight points from the 15th placed Legon Cities outside the zone. They will, however, appreciate the opportunity to beat Tamale City in their next encounter in order to leapfrog the Tamale-based side, who have only two points more.

POOR OFFICIATING AND VIOLENCE AT STADIA

The defeat of Kotoko to Karela United has reignited the never-ending debate over bad officiating. The Porcupines were defeated by a contentious penalty supposedly awarded outside the box despite the fact that the offender appeared to be in control of the ball. Obviously, the match review panel will analyse the incident, but the question that remains unanswered is “When will Ghana have the necessary technology to resolve anomalies that develop as a result of terrible officiating situations?” Referees should not in any way be allowed to defend their flaws, but they have a purpose in doing so till such interventions reach Ghana.

Again, the reported violence at Crosby Awuah Memorial Park, which was most likely triggered by emotions, will be a case study in Ghana football. Whether true or not, the reports of Karela United fans bullying their opponents to the extent of preventing the club’s social media personnel from reporting live for their followers erodes the league’s image, which should have been the least expected in 2023.

 





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