1. Heart of Lions are officially the draw masters.
With a game in hand against Accra Hearts of Oak, Heart of Lions have drawn all the 6 games they have played so far in the season. 6 games played, 6 points won, 4 goals scored and 4 goals conceded.
At the Hohoe Sports Stadium on Sunday, they drew 0-0 against Karela, their 4th goalless draw so far. Heart of Lions remains the only side without a win in the 2023/2024 season. Alongside Tano Bofoakwa, Heart of Lions is the only team without a defeat.
On Wednesday at the Hohoe Sports Stadium, the Giant Killers will host Hearts of Oak for their Week 5 outstanding game. Will it be the turning point for Abdul Fatawu Salifu? Time for him and his lads to turn some of the draws to wins.
2. Nations FC has yet to score a single away goal
It is simple, just 3 away wins coupled with a series of good home performances can help a newly promoted side to remain in the league. This is Nations FC’s first-ever appearance in the Ghana Premier League and it is clear that they lack the mental toughness to deal with the pressure that comes with the away games. Solomon Twene’s 89th-minute strike on Saturday condemned Kasim Mingle’s boys to their 4th straight defeat away from home. They have yet to have scored a single goal in any of their away games.
3. Is Bismark Kobby Mensah turning the corner for Bechem United?
The GPL managerial sacking race isn’t on yet. Bismark Kobi Mensah was reportedly sacked by Bechem United a couple of weeks ago although the club later denied the rumours. The club had a crunch meeting with him and he assured them of stellar performances in their next games. Unbeaten in 3 now, two draws away from home and a 2-0 victory against Berekum Chelsea.
Former Kotoko forward Augustine Okrah’s 54th-minute strike cancelled out Peter Acquah’s 10th-minute goal at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
Bechem United has the potential to unsettle any team in this country and it is good to see Bismark Kobi Mensah proving a point.
4. Maxwell Konadu is showing what Hearts of Oak is missing.
Nsoatreman are punching above their weight. What a season they are enjoying. On top of the table, just 1 away defeat in 3 and have an outstanding game. This is all down to Maxwell Konadu’s masterclass. It was rumoured in July that Hearts of Oak were interested in Maxwell Konadu and he ignored them and signed for Nsoatreman.
The two teams’ performance so far shows what the Phobians missed. How high can they go? Their next two games will have a huge impact on their mentality and performance. Nsoatreman host Kotoko on Wednesday and visit Medeama on Sunday. These are crucial fixtures.
Probably their worst start to a season since the beginning of this century. The Phobians scored their second goal of the season at Dun’s Park after failing to find the back of the net in 365 minutes.
5. Hearts of Oak is still in turmoil
They haven’t won any away games in their last 13 spanning from last season. This isn’t Accra Hearts of Oak. They’re in deep trouble and Martin Koopman must win their next game for the fans to trust him. 2nd from bottom after MD7, the oak tree is falling fast.
6. Isaac Mintah is in a sensational form
He’s now the leading goal scorer with 5 goals in GPL. The former Legon Cities and New Edubease forward scored the final goal after a brace from Emmanuel Gyamfi in a 3-1 victory at Tamale vs RTU. He has now scored 5 goals in his last 4 games for Aduana and the Ogya will hope he will replicate Bright Agyei’s incredible achievement for them. Aduana recorded their first away win of the season after losing the first 3. They are now 2nd on the log with just a point behind Nsoatreman.
7. Medeama climbing the league log
After a very slow start to the season due to continental commitment, Medeama are now finding their rhythm. A goal from Jonathan Sowah on the stroke of half-time secured the Mauve and Yellow a 1-0 win against Samartex. 8th on the log,10 points, Just three points separate them from the top and with a game in hand against Nsoatreman. Things are looking good for Medeama ahead of their CAF Champions League campaign.
8. Asante Kotoko’s home record has recently gotten poor.
Only 2 wins and a whooping 8 draws in Kotoko’s last 10 home games since April, spanning from last season. Baba Yara is gradually losing its fear factor. Teams are no longer afraid of the Porcupine Warriors as the newly promoted side Heart of Lions showed on MD1 day. Augustine Okrah’s equaliser means Kotoko ended the week in 7th position with 10 points.
Prosper Nartey and his boys must show consistency in their home games because the league is normally won based on good solid home performance. Kotoko’s next two home games are against Dreams and Medeama. Expectations from the fans will be high.
Starts Zone
9 matches played
14 goals scored
11 home goals
3 away goals
3 Home wins
2 Away wins
5 first half wins
4 Draws
1 brace, Emmanuel Gyamfi v R.T.U
17 yellow cards
1 red card, Appiah McCarthy vs Hearts
1 missed penalty by Legon Cities vs Dreams
