Five talking points from Ghana Premier League matchday 19

By
Frank Appiah
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Hearts fell out of the top four after losing to city rivals Great Olympics, while Kotoko moved closer to Aduana at the top of the Ghana Premier League table after the 19th round of matches. Kotoku Royals, on the other hand, pulled off the biggest upset, defeating Dreams FC 3-0.

Here are five takeaways from the midweek results.

OLYMPICS’ GREATNESS CONTINUES TO PREVAIL IN GA MASHIE RIVALRY

Great Olympics proved once again that form is insignificant in rivalry games like the Ga Mashie derby, as they defeated Hearts of Oak with ten men at the Accra Sports Stadium last Wednesday.

It was the first home game for new manager Bismark Kobby Mensah, and it extended Great Olympics’ dominance over the Phobians to six games in a row.

The result knocks Hearts out of the top four once more, while they consider how to rebound as another tough battle against Kotoko looms.

 

KOTOKU ROYALS RECORD BIGGEST PREMIER LEAGUE WIN

Bottom-placed Kotoku Royals have just 15 goals so far after 19 matches in the league but 20% of those goals were scored on Wednesday thanks to a 3-0 win over Dreams FC.

Collins Kudjoe netted a brace, and Francis Andy Kumi managed to score his fifth goal of the season to give Kotoku Royals their fourth and largest win of the season.

While this is the first time Kotoku have avoided defeat in two consecutive league games, they will need to build on it significantly if they are to survive at the end of the season.

KOTOKO FINALLY FIND THE NET

Enoch Morrison’s solitary strike from the edge of the box ended the Porcupine Warriors’ three-game goal drought as they returned to winning ways against a tenacious Bechem United side.

After thrashing Accra Lions 4-0 on matchday 16, the defending champions have failed to win or score in their last three matches. They lost 2-0 to Dreams FC, drew goalless with Nsoatreman in the league, and were knocked out of the FA Cup by title rivals Aduana Stars.

Seydou Zerbo’s men have, however, found the right result to restore some confidence as they prepare for the super clash against archrivals Hearts of Oak on Sunday.

LIONS MAY NOT GIVE UP

Since the start of the season, Accra Lions have made themselves relevant in the title race and show no signs of relenting anytime soon.

They got another surprise victory at the Crosby Awuah Memorial Park to hand Karela their second home defeat of the season. The victory for Ibrahim Tanko’s men not only depletes Karela’s home record but also puts them neck-a-neck with Kotoko on the table.

Accra Lions have 31 points just like the Porcupine Warriors but are third due to goal difference.

POOR ATTENDANCE IS WORSE THAN PERCEIVED

Many football lovers have criticized the low level of attendance at various stadiums this season. However, it is not surprising that many more people are disappointed after closely monitoring the attendance at the Accra Sports Stadium. Even though it was one of the league’s biggest games of the season, fans were unable to fill the stadium to capacity.

The fact that many seats were empty at the arguably biggest regional derby between Great Olympics and Hearts of Oak defies the narrative that fans only go to stadiums to watch big games. If the Ga Mashie derby, which had fans fighting to get through the entrance just last season, now has such a low turnout, then there is definitely cause for concern.