1. Prince Owusu single-handedly destroys Legon Cities
The 25-year-old Owusu Prince was on fire at Dun’s Park against Legon Cities as the diminutive forward scored all four goals for the Bibiani club. Bibiani Gold Stars needed a win at all costs because they were just 2 points above the relegation zone. When Frimpong Manso and his team needed someone to step up, the darling boy of Bibiani stepped up and scored 4 goals in the 4-2 win against Legon Cities. The win moves Gold Stars to 13th on the table with three points above the 16th-place Dreams FC.
2.15 is the lucky number for Heart of Lions
Ahead of their 15th match of the season, Heart of Lions had won zero, drawn eight and lost 6. This is how bad the Kpando-based club was. Salifu Fatawu was sacked due to poor performance and was replaced by the experienced Bashir Hayford. Heart of Lions needed a win before the first round and they delivered against 4th placed Berekum Chelsea. Ebenezer Abban and Nana Oppong’s first-half goals nicely ended the year for Heart of Lions as they defeated Chelsea 2-0. Bashir Hayford still has a lot of job to do as he aims to keep them in the league for the next season.
3. Tamale pitch needs to be banned from the Ghana Premier League
As Karela United and Medeama were playing at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in Tamale, organizers were arranging their machines and mounting a stage for a musical concert. How barbaric could that be? That wasn’t enough, the pitch was a mess than the uncivilised behaviour that was going on on the touchline. Ghana football is managed by irresponsible people who only care about their pockets. No sensible human being will allow the league to be played on that horrendous pitch in Tamale. Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium ought to be closed down for proper renovation.
4. Stephen Mukwala proving to be the man for Asante Kotoko
The telepathic understanding between Stephen Mukwala and Richmond Lamptey is awesome. They understand each other and look like they have been together since the days of Osagyefo Dr Keame Nkrumah. Richmond Lamptey assisted Mukwala’s second goal which secured the 2-0 win for Asante Kotoko over Tano Bofoakwa. Ugandan 24-year-old forward Stephen Mukwala has now scored 7 goals and he is proving to be the main man for Asante Kotoko when it comes to goalscoring. He is tormenting the opposition defence with his blistering pace.
5. Bright Adjei shines bright like a diamond
Mr B.B.C scored a second-half hat trick in front of his lovely wife and 5-month-old baby. What a way to end the year for Bright Adjei. When it looked like Aziz Issah’s equaliser would secure a point for Dreams FC, Bright Adjei had different intentions and grabbed a hattrick for the Ogya Boys to record a resounding 4-1 win over Still Believe. He is now the all-time top scorer for the Aduana Stars. Bright Adjei is the soul and heartbeat of Aduana Stars. What a lovely story between Bright Adjei and Aduana Stars.
6. Martin Karikari saves Salifu Ibrahim blushes
Hearts of Oak main man Salifu Ibrahim missed a 93rd-minute penalty at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in a crunch clash against Bechem United. As all hope was lost, Martin Karikari scored a 98th-minute winner to spare Salifu Ibrahim’s blushes. The story would have been different had Karikari not scored for the Phobians. It has been a horrible 2023 for Accra Hearts of Oak but ended the year on a higher note
7. Samartex ends the first round on top of the table
Who would have given Samartex a dog chance to finish on top of the league in the first Round? Nurudeen Amadu’s side is heading towards 2024 as the leaders of the league having won all eight home games. The Samraboi-based club has punched above their weight and it is no fluke seeing them on top of the table. Their football has been great, especially at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena. Can they continue this incredible form in the Second Round?
8. Dreams FC end the year in the relegation zone
Drema FC have been amazing in the Confederation Cup Group Stages as they have won 3 out of four games played. The Still Believe are struggling in the league although they have four games in hand. Abdul Aziz Issah has been a revelation as good old John Antwi is leading the youngsters with his vast experience. It is quite surprising to see Dreams end in the relegation zone in the year.
9. How will Bechem United fare without Augustine Okrah
It was clear on Sunday afternoon that Bechem United will struggle for goals without Augustine Okrah. Young Africans confirmed the capture of Okrah from Bechem United on Sunday evening and his absence affected Bechem United against Hearts of Oak in Kumasi as they squandered numerous clear chances. A replacement is needed for Augustine Okrah so that Bechem United can keep the momentum for the season.
10. Nations FC end the First Round in the top 4
Dr Kwame Kyei will be a proud man heading into 2024 as his beloved Nations FC has defied all odds and is 4th in the league table.
A 4-1 massacre of Nsoatreman on Sunday at the Dr Kwame Kyei Sports Complex was the icing on the cake for the first half of the season. The newly promoted side is enjoying life in the top flight as if they have been around for a decade. Kasim Ocansey Mingle deserves huge credit for tactically being up there against the big boys. Nations FC is separated by just 5 points from the top of the table.
