1. Bofoakwa Tano sinks to a new low
Tano Bofoakwa’s struggles continue as they failed to capitalise on their favourite Sunyani Coronation Park against Accra Great Olympics. Bofo lost to Emmanuel Antwi’s 97th-minute goal on Sunday against Oly Dade. The last time Tano Bofoakwa won a game was in Round 9 against Nations FC [1-0] at the Sunyani Coronation Park. Bofoakwa has gone 9 games without a win having lost 5 and drawn 4. They have finally joined the relegation battle as they are now placed in 17th position with a point above the bottom-place club Real Tamale United.
The huge problem facing Tano Boafoakwa is goal scoring. They have scored the least goals with just 9. Their problems keep on increasing day by day.
2. Hamza Issah is a super striker
Martin Koopman compared the 21-year-old to the Brazillian legend Romario. Many thought he was just joking. The boy is not any Romario but he is a super striker. Hearts of Oak have been in real trouble when it comes to goalscoring but luckily for them, Hamza Issah from nowhere has stepped up.
His brace on Sunday marked the beginning of a new era as Aboubakar Ouattara commenced his journey with a fantastic win for the Phobians. Hamza Issah has scored 8 goals and is just a goal behind the leading goalscorer Isaac Mintah of Aduana Stars.
Issah’s positioning and pace make him a wonderful striker and he has a bright future.
3. Dun’s Park is regaining its fortress status
Before the appointment of Frimpong Manso, the deadly Dun’s Park in Bibiani lost its status as a fortress as Bibiani Goldstars struggled to deal with visitors.
With Frimpong Manso at the helm, Gold Stars have won all three League games played in Bibiani at Dun’s Park. Goldstars came from behind to emphatically beat Berekum Chelsea 3-1 on Sunday to move further away from the relegation zone.
They travel to Kumasi to face Asante Kotoko this weekend and their next three home games are against Accra Great Olympics, Tano Bofoakwa and Accra Hearts of Oak. Dun’s Park is becoming more dangerous and deadly for opponents once again.
4. Abubakar Damba is working wonders
Abubakar Damba has won two games he has played as the new head coach of Karela United. He beat Asante Kotoko 2-0 in the MTN FA Cup Round 16. On Sunday, Karela at Narelugu defeated Legon Cities 2-0 to ease relegation pressure on the team. Karela United looked extremely lost before Abubakar Damba took over as the new coach.
Karela is now lying 14th with 20 points. Damba has certainly worked wonders so far but his biggest test will be his away games as his next game is a trip to Berekum Chelsea and returns home to face Asante Kotoko.
5. Nsoatreman earns the bragging rights in Bechem
Nsoatreman has beaten Bechem United home and away this season. It’s a huge achievement for Maxwell Konadu and his men as Bono and Ahafo derbies are very difficult.
On Sunday, Stephan Diyou struck in the 76th minute to clinch all three points for the Nsoatre club. Nsoatreman is now probably the boss among all the Bono-Ahafo clubs as they are in great form. 3rd on the league table with 5 points separating them and Samartex, Nsoatreman are no longer talking about the relegation fight but will soon start talking about their chances of winning the league if results continue to go their way. I
6. Samartex are serious title contenders
Samartex is showing title-winning elements as they are now leading by 5 points. They have won 6 of their last 7 Premier League games. Nurudeen Amadu’s Samartex has won every single game they have played at home this season. This is how championships are won.
In the clash of the top of the table, Samartex travelled from Samraboi and won in Dormaa Ahenkro 2-1 against Aduana Stars. They have opened 5 points gap against second-placed Aduana.
Samartex’s next 6 games could potentially define their season as they will host Nations FC on Sunday, travel to Bechem United, host Nsotreman and Dreams and travel to face Accra Hearts of Oak. It is one game at a time but these 6 games will have an immense say in their quest to shock everyone and win the GPL.
7. Bashir Hayford has made Heart of Lions believers
Heart of Lions was down, flat and helpless before Bashir Hayford was appointed as the head coach. They thought they were never ready for the Ghana Premier League but now believe they are fully ready and good enough after beating Asante Kotoko on Saturday.
Bashir Hayford suffocated Asante Kotoko as they made them look ordinary. Heart of Lions are in the relegation zone but it’s just a matter of time before the Kpando-based club gets out of it completely if they can continue with their hot form. Bashir Hayford has beaten Berekum Chelsea, Dreams and Asante Kotoko and also drew 2-2 against Medeama SC since taking over.
Bashir Hayford has made all Kpando Heart of Lions players and fans believers now. They now acknowledge that they are good enough for everyone.
