Matchday one of the Ghana Premier League have ended; a closer look at what transpired during the first week.
Curtains have just be drawn down for match week one in the Ghana Premier League -encamped with thrills, actions, beaming smiles on the faces of fans as they cheer their teams up.
The match week one has actually set the tone as club administrator, technical team staffs of respective clubs plus fans assume the seats of Oliver twist as they chant “we want more” until the end of the league campaign.
More over, taking glance at the results that popped up over the weekend only re-echoed what the future holds for the league – taking into consideration should all other positive factors assemble and work together as a unit.
That being said, a lot of positives, renewed energies and rebirthed national interest took center stage hence, revamping a league which was once the joy every citizen breathe two decades past.
Before delving into the nine league games which were played, the respective stadia which were utilize on the match-days proved the amount of work that had been done by the clubs during the off-season.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Football Association as the mother organizers deserve some flowers as they have finally got it right with respective to the publicization and coverage of the league by the media.
Post-match analysis of the league games:
Hearts of Oak vs Hohoe United:
The Accra Sports Stadium host Hearts of Oak’s first league game encounter with newly promoted side, Hohoe United. A game which was regarded by most pundits as a winnable game for the GPL giant yet, it ended in a point shared result.
Hearts of Oak after a splendid outing in their GHALCA top-four games had the momentum, team chemistry and the fire power, which was more than enough for them to brush away a team which was yet to settle in the league.
However, the data which suggested that, the Rainbow boys have not won any of their last six initial games in the league birthed itself once again.
Fast forward into the second-half, Hohoe United were down to ten men, with about twenty minutes to finish the game, they get their composure, stayed compact in defense and managed to secured a point against Hearts of Oak hence, the game ended in a goalless draw.
Berekum Chelsea vs Asante Kotoko:
Two experienced sides in the GPL went head – to -head against each other in a crunchy game of equals.
Obviously, Kotoko would always be favorite in approaching such a game however, the game went down the wire, completely nullifying the coaching prowess of both managers on the touchline.
Yet, when it mattered most, the the 23-year-old attacker, Albert Amoah picked the mantle from where he left off during last season as he buried a first time shot from the right side of the eighteen yard box with a low shot to the left side to hand over all three points to his side.
Bibiani Gold Stars vs Bechem United:
The reigning champions of the GPL were in action against Bechem United at the Bibiani Duns Park.
It ended in a three-goals thriller, two in favor of Bibiani Gold Stars and a consolation for the visiting team.
Clearly, Bibiani Gold Stars are still leaving the dream as they are arguably a side, no other team in the league are delighted to face them in this moments.
After them picking up the GHALCA Cup, one would have thought they would have lost some steam in them. Relying on an experienced lad like Samuel Kumi who seems to be developing into a fine wine as an attacker, Emmanuel Kobi as the safe pair of hands, plus Foster Agyei in midfild.
Finally, I think Gold Stars are still one of the teams to watch in the league, however, can they retain the league? certainly not.
Hearts of Lion vs Dreams FC:
Prior to the game, on thing was certain that, both team would struggle to find the back of the net however, the home team would have the advantage of winning the game and that was what happen.
After Hearts of Lion picked up the lead via a penalty awarded, it was an end-to-end action from both team yet, none of the succeeded in finding a goal.
Hearts of Lion would definitely look back on this game and talk to themselves, they got away with this one – taking into account, how poor they were defensively right after they took the lead.
For Dreams FC, they played somewhat very good football, possessed the ball, their midfield was on top of their game yet, they lost their heads when the decisive moments presented themselves in the final third.
Holy Stars vs Eleven Wonders:
The newly promoted sides have shown in their first game of top-flight football, how prepared they are.
In that vein, Eleven Wonders visited Holy Stars at the Crosby Awuah Memorial Stadium with some hopes of picking up some decent results back home. It all ended in a goalless draw.
Now, for Holy Stars, after securing your spot in the GPL last season as one of the newly promoted – there is one thing they can’t loose sight on, which, dropping points against beatable opponents mid-table sides would only enhance their chance of getting relegated at the end of the season.
Karela United vs Aduana Stars:
The Goal from Malik Abubakar in the first minute of the first half was more than enough to warrant Karela United, their first in their first game of the season.
Tactically, Aduana did play well, they got some half decent chances which could have gotten them the equalizer and further given them the moment to win the game but then, they lacked the finishing edge which led to their defeat.
Nations FC vs Swedru All Blacks:
Swedru All Blacks could not contain the fire power at the Kwame Kyei Sports Stadium after they took the lead on the 14-minute by Baffoe in a well work goal.
The experience of Emmanuel Annor and Tetteh snatch a deserving win for Nations FC in the second-half of the game hence, ending the game in a 2-1 score line.
Vision FC vs Samartex FC
Samartex FC since winning the league in just a season past have taken their foot off the paddle since last season.
This season, Samartex have not shown in progress on the field, most often than not, they stay flat on the field playing as though they have nothing to loose.
On the part of Vision FC, even though in the second half, they were forced to play with ten men on the field, the managed to clutch a point in the game which was quite impressive.
Young Apostles vs Medeama FC
Medeama FC seized their first game in the league as an opportunity to make a bold statement with regards to their intentions of wanting to win the league at the end of the season.
Young Apostles could not find antidote to the blistering pace of Medeama’s attackers as they were completely out muscled and out played. It ended in a 0-2 victory for the visiting side, Medeama.
