Week 18 of the Ghana Premier League did not fail to live up to the expectations as Heart of Lions shocked Asante Kotoko, RTU was destroyed in Accra by Phobia. Olympics, Nsoatreman and Smartex all won away from home.
Per Laryea Kingston, this is his Best Xl of week 18.
GK -Thomas Kwabena Asare, (Heart of Lions)
The Heart of Lions goalkeeper prevented Kotoko from scoring as his side won 1-0 on Saturday. This was his third clean sheet since Bashir Hayford took over. Kwabena Asare is one of the main reasons why Heart of Lions is getting results at the moment.
RB- Fatawu Mohammed (Karela United)
The 31-year-old who spent a decade at Hearts of Oak came from the bench and doubled Karela’s lead in the 84th minute. He replaced Umar Faruk in the second half and was very strong and determined to keep Legon Cities left wing in check.
LB- Emmanuel Adu Siaw (Samartex)
The experienced left-back was a threat defensively and attacking against Aduana Stars. The 27-year-old Siaw is little by little becoming a part of Samartex’s incredible defence.
RCB- Oko Grippman (Great Olympics)
Oko Grippman’s leadership is incredible as he defended so well against Tano Bofoakwa on Sunday. Oko Grippman’s experience has always been useful to the Olympics. He was solid and tactically disciplined in Sunyani.
LCB- Phillip Ofori (Nsoatreman)
The young center-back has finally won Maxwell Komadu’s attention and he is putting up almost Grade-A performances for Nsoatreman. Clinton Duodu, Cephas Mantey and Francis Twene’s threat were dealt with by the 21-year-old Phillip Ofori
DM- Glid Otanga Mvou (Hearts of Oak)
Otanga has played the full 90 minutes of Hearts of Oak’s last 3 games. His partnership with Salifu Ibrahim in the Phobia’s midfielder has the potential to be one of the best in the country. Otanga dominated RTU and made life easier for Phobia’s playmakers leading to the thrashing of the Tamale-based club.
DM- Emmanuel Keyekeh (Samartex)
Keyekeh is getting the attention he deserves from pundits and fans. The former Karela and Asante Kotoko midfielder is a delight to watch. He was a cog in Samartex’s midfield against Aduana and rounded up his performance with a goal for the league leaders.
RW-Emmanuel Antwi (Great Olympics)
Emmanuel Antwi silenced Coronation Park by scoring in the 97th minute to give Olympics a precious 1-0 win over Bofoakwa. Emmanuel Antwi was a constant menace on the right wing for Great Olympics.
LW- Frank Amankwaah ( Bibianai Gold Stars)
Amankwaah scored the all-important goal for Bibiani Gold Stars with 15 minutes to end the match. The win was so precious to Frimpong Manso as the hardworking winger was a delight to watch on Sunday.
ST- Hamza Issah (Hearts of Oak)
Phobia’s new sensation. He has an incredible pace and his finishing is improving. Hamza Issah’s first-half brace was extraordinary as it helped Hearts of Oak record a 3-0 win over RTU.
ST- Stephan Diyou ( Nsoatreman)
Stephan Diyou earned Nsoatreman bragging rights in the Bono-Ahafo derby by snatching the only goal for the Nsoatre-based club. Stephan Diyou has scored in his last two games for Nsoatreman and each has won Maxwell Konadu’s side the 3 points. He was solid and unmarkable on Sunday in Bechem.
Coach: Nurudeen Amadu (Samartex)
Nurudeen Amadu has proven to be tactically marvellous as he can adapt to any style quickly during matches. The Samartex head coach is the best in the Ghana Premier League so far. His tactics were spot-on against Aduana Stars as he won a great 3 points.
