Hearts of Oak failed to win again and fell out of the top four after matchday 16, while Kotoko regained second place. Meanwhile, Legon Cities worsened King Faisal’s problems.
Here are five talking points from the weekend results.
RTU RUTHLESS AT HOME
Real Tamale United (RTU) have gradually made home victories a trademark of theirs in this season’s competition. Hearts of Oak are the latest victims of the Tamale-based side, as Manaf Umar’s stunning goal secured all three points for RTU for the sixth time this season. They are now second to none in terms of home form, having risen to seventh place on the log. Remarkably, the home run includes victories over Aduana Stars, Asante Kotoko, and Accra Lions, all of whom are ranked in the top six. RTU have also scored 12 goals at home and earned 79.2% of their total points (24) from home matches as well
ADUANA STARS AND KOTOKO STILL INVINCIBLE AT HOME
Aduana Stars and Kotoko are the only teams that have maintained an undefeated record at home after 16 matches in the league. Both teams have accumulated 18 points from their home games, which has contributed to their current positions in the league standings.
As a result, Aduana Stars and Kotoko currently sit in first and second place respectively. Statistically, Aduana Stars have a strong history of positive home form. In 2017, when they won the title, they completed the season without a single defeat at the Nana Agyemang Badu I Park.
KING FAISAL BACK TO SQUARE ONE
King Faisal may have reason for concern as they continue to fall in the league standings. Their recent third consecutive loss against Legon Cities has left them in 16th place. Despite starting the season with five straight defeats, King Faisal responded positively with only one loss in eight games, including three consecutive wins. However, the team led by Jimmy Cobblah are struggling once again and find themselves back in the relegation zone. They now have 9 losses, only three fewer than bottom-placed Kotoku Royals, making them the second-worst team in terms of losses
STEVEN MUKWALA EYES GOAL KING
Kotoko defeated Accra Lions 4-0 to climb to second place, while their rival Hearts of Oak fell to sixth. The victory was not only positive for Kotoko, but they were also delighted by the performance of Ugandan international Steven Mukwala who scored a brace in the match. This was Mukwala’s second brace in the last three games for Kotoko, making him the second-highest scorer in the league with 8 goals, just one behind Berekum Chelsea’s Afriye Mezack.
FT #AKSC 4 : 0 Accra Lions
Nortey ⚽️
Mukwala ⚽️⚽️
Morrison ⚽️We F e a s t 😋 pic.twitter.com/PBRl9zQNdi
— Asante Kotoko SC – 21/22 GPL Champions🥇 (@AsanteKotoko_SC) February 6, 2023
HEARTS’ POOR SCORING FORM
Hearts of Oak have fallen out of the top four following a 1-0 loss to Real Tamale United (RTU) due to a spectacular goal from their former player Manaf Umar. The Phobians have won only one of their last five games and have been struggling with poor performances and goal-scoring difficulties, compounded by injuries. In their last five games, their only goal was scored by Kojo Obeng Junior against Medeama. Benjamin Yorke, who has scored twice as a substitute, is Hearts’ highest scorer in the league with three goals.
