After 13 matchdays, the Ghana Premier League keeps thrilling fans, setting up memorable events.
Matchday 13 was one for the history books as Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak battled it out in yet another enthralling affair in Kumasi. The gigantic clash eclipsed all others across the various match centers.
Nonetheless, lots of surprising twists and turns unfolded.
3Sports takes a look at five talking points from the weekend’s action.
Super Clash lives up to the billing
Although Albert Amoah’s lone strike was all that separated both sides at the final whistle, the result did not mirror the pulsating game played out at the Baba Yara stadium.
Making their first appearance at their traditional home ground for the first time this season, Kotoko were buoyed by the massive turnout and started the game on the front foot.
Albert Amoah had the first sniff at goal, but his effort was kept out by his former teammate Benjamin Asare for Hearts of Oak.
The early attempt set the precedent for Kotoko, who laid siege in Hearts of Oak’s half and should have been up by two goals at the break.
Albert Amoah’s goal was ruled out for offside before Baba Yahaya missed from close range.
Despite being in decent form recently and having to thank defender Osei Asibey for his resolute work at the back, Hearts shot themselves in the foot as a late defensive mix-up handed Kotoko the win.
Just like In years gone by, fabs were excited as lord of talking points sprung up after the game, which was enjoyable.
Accra Lions snap eight-game winless run
Finally, the lion roared. One of the most enterprising sides, Accra Lions, have underperformed to large extents this season, not less their eight-game winless streak ahead of the weekend’s game against Nations FC.
In that winless run, Lions recorded five draws and three defeats.
However, against Nations FC, they were deserved winners after they put up a regimented performance and executed their game plan against the title chasers.
Lions have now picked up two wins and will be hoping to build on their win against Nations FC in the coming weeks.
Resolute defence sends Heart of Lions top of league
No team has conceded fewer goals than Heart of Lions in the league (4), and once again they had their defense to thank against Samartex.
After a grueling trip to Samreboi, Lions showed no signs of fatigue as Nana Oppong opened the scoring after four minutes.
Just as fans have become accustomed to, there was no way back for Samartex as Lions kept their sixth consecutive clean sheet.
Bashir Hayford, together with former Kotoko midfielder Daniel Nii Adjei, who is his assistant, have thus been impressive.
Attacking efficiency coupled with defensive assuredness is what Lions do have to offer.
After a little over 540 minutes, Lions’ defence is yet to be breached, with Karela United’s Abdul Basit’s goal in October the last the Kpando men have conceded.
Unwanted statistic fair reflection of disjointed Samartex
Early days but Samartex’s aspiration of defending their title looks like a lost course.
With no real sense of urgency, and the desire to go the extra mile, coupled with dealing with the mental knock of exiting the CAF Champions League’s preliminary round – a competition they would have loved to progress to the group stage – seems to have hit the Timber Boys hard.
Bar Nations FC, who were without blemish at home, Samartex lost one home game all season en route to their title triumph last term.
Samreboi, geographically and football wise, has been a difficult ground to visit.
However, the ostensible fortress is now losing shape, with Samartex recording their second successive home loss against Heart of Lions over the weekend, and their third loss on the bounce.
The numbers do not make for good reading, particularly Samartex’s third straight defeat – a first since they gained promotion to the Ghana Premier League.
Although there’s still a throttle of games to be played, Samartex – 10th on the league with 17 points – have to play catch up in order to keep their title defence ambition alive.
In-form Bechem making in-road
The title challenge is far from a two horse race. Heart of lions lead the way with 24 points, same as second place Bibiani GoldStars.
Bechem United, on the other hand, are just a point shy of the joint-table toppers, with their recent resurgence down to their remarkable form.
In their last 10 games, Bechem have picked up 18 out of the available 30 on offer, catapulting them into the title race.
Bechem have lost twice all season but have put up performances which suggests they, just maybe, may have an outside shot at the league.
