The race for the Ghana Premier League title has heated up as the league enters its final stages. Six clubs are still in the running to be crowned champions. However, Aduana Stars stand out as a strong contender. Several factors distinguish them from their rivals as they strive for their third league title.
We delve into five key reasons why Aduana Stars deserve to win the Ghana Premier League this season. Aduana Stars have all the ingredients to win the title, from their impressive away record to their solid defence and experienced coaching staff. Let’s take a closer look.
Best Away Record
Aduana Stars’ outstanding away record is one of the main reasons why they are strong contenders for the Ghana Premier League title. Away from home in the top flight is notoriously difficult, with several factors conspiring against visiting teams. Aduana Stars, on the other hand, have defied the odds and emerged as the team with the best away record among the 18 clubs.
Their outstanding road performances have included notable victories over top opponents. They won convincingly 2-0 against Hearts of Oak and defeated Medeama in Tarkwa. In addition, they held Bechem United, who have the best home record, to a goalless draw. These results highlight Aduana Stars’ brilliance and resilience while travelling, demonstrating their ability to consistently perform well in hostile environments.
By excelling away from home, Aduana Stars have proven themselves as a force to be reckoned with, displaying their determination to claim crucial points regardless of the challenges they face.
Dormaa Fortress
Throughout the league season, Dormaa has proven to be an impregnable fortress for Aduana Stars. While they do not have the best home record in comparison to Bechem United, who have three more points, Aduana Stars are the only team still undefeated at home. Their results at Nana Agyemang Badu Park have been nothing short of impressive, with nine wins and six draws to their credit.
One of the most important factors in winning the league is establishing a formidable home ground, which Aduana Stars have done. The defensive strength of Aduana Stars is evident, with only six goals conceded at home during the entire season.
Maintaining an unbeaten home record demonstrates Aduana Stars’ dominance and the fear they instil in their opponents. It is worth noting that in their previous league victories in 2009 and 2017, they did not lose a single game at home. With two crucial home matches against Dreams FC and Bechem United remaining, Aduana Stars have a golden opportunity to secure six valuable points and move closer to the end of the league campaign.
Best defence
Aduana Stars have the league’s best defence, having allowed only 19 goals in 30 games. Their defensive unit, led by experienced goalkeeper Joseph Addo, has proven to be a formidable challenge for opposing teams. They are extremely difficult to defeat and maintain a strong defensive structure on a consistent basis. Their impressive record includes 17 clean sheets, with 11 at home and six on the road. As they approach their remaining games, there is a good chance that they will keep their clean sheets. If they can score in each of these games, they will undoubtedly win another well-deserved championship.
Paa Kwesi Fabin
The 64-year-old manager has the distinction of being the league’s longest-serving coach. It’s surprising that he hasn’t won the coveted trophy yet in his career. Fabin, widely regarded as an astute talent scout and renowned for his expertise in youth coaching, has led Ghana’s men’s youth teams from the U-17 to the U-23 levels. His coaching career began in 2002, with stints at prestigious clubs such as Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak.
Fabin is currently in his second stint with Aduana Stars and is in the best position to win the league championship. While Fabin came close to winning the title with Heart of Lions in the 2007/08 season, finishing second to eventual champions Asante Kotoko, he has since gained wisdom and experience. His astute leadership has kept the players grounded while upholding the team’s highest standards.
With his wealth of knowledge and expertise, Fabin has the ability to drive the Aduana Stars squad to victory in their remaining matches.
Balanced goal-scoring
Most teams in the league rely heavily on their main stars to score goals. Bechem United attribute their strong position in the race to Hafiz Konkoni and his 14 goals. Medeama’s top scorer is defender Vincent Atingah, who has 10 goals, while Kotoko’s top scorer is Stephen Mukwala, who has 11 goals.
Aduana Stars, on the other hand, operate in a different manner, with multiple avenues for scoring goals. Forward Isaac Mintah leads the team with six goals, while Bright Adjei, who left the club in January, is second with five. Aduana Stars have scored goals as a team, with contributions from their midfielders as well. This group effort bodes well for the final round of games.
Few will bet against Aduana Stars securing another title this time around, with the people of Dormaa waiting to celebrate another successful campaign for their club.
