The Ghana Premier League roars back into action with the second half of the season commencing this weekend, and the spotlight firmly fixed on Tarkwa tomorrow afternoon, where leaders Medeama SC look to shift their title ambitions into top gear against Young Apostles at the T&A Park.
Medeama have been one of the elite division’s most compelling stories this season. Under Ibrahim Tanko, the ‘Mauve and Yellow’ have evolved into a ruthless, mature unit that are comfortable on the ball, disciplined without it, and increasingly efficient in both boxes.
Their rise to the top was sealed when they dethroned Aduana FC, and an unbeaten run of five matches has only reinforced their credentials as genuine title contenders.
At home, they have been particularly authoritative, using the familiarity and intensity of the T&A Park to suffocate opponents early and control games.
Young Apostles’ struggles on the road make this a daunting assignment. The visitors sit 10th at the halfway stage, with defensive vulnerabilities exposed by 18 goals conceded in 17 matches.
Their away form has been especially uninspiring, and Medeama will view this as an opportunity to stretch their lead at the summit.
History favours the hosts. Medeama claimed a convincing 2–0 win in Wenchi, as they closed the first round as one of the league’s most potent attacks with 22 goals while boasting the second-best defensive record with only 10 goals conceded. That balance has been the foundation of their dominance.
Coach Tanko will again look to a familiar core team to maintain their winning form, with Salim Adams, fresh from scoring against Hearts of Oak last weekend, remaining a key attacking reference, supported by the energy and invention of Kelvin Nkrumah, Abdul Salam, Jacob Mensah, Kingsley Braye Fatawu Sulemana and skipper Mubarik Yussif providing leadership at the back.
Young Apostles, however, are not without influential players capable of turning the tide. Richmond Nsiah Coka has been their creative heartbeat and enters the second round as the league’s third-highest assist provider.
Much will also rest on the composure and leadership of skipper Ramzy Aboubakar, alongside Issa Nyaabila, Abdul Ganiwu and Mathias Amegbe, as the visitors attempt to frustrate the leaders and possibly spring an upset.
Elsewhere, second-placed Bibiani Gold Stars face a stern test against Bechem United at the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park.
As defending champions, Gold Stars, know the importance of staying within touching distance of Medeama, and three points tomorrow would keep the pressure firmly on the leaders.
Bechem United, meanwhile, have quietly steadied themselves after a difficult opening to the season. Their recent resurgence has eased relegation fears, but this fixture represents a chance to make a strong statement and continue their climb away from danger.
At the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Asante Kotoko will be desperate to restore momentum when they host struggling Berekum Chelsea. A disappointing 1–2 defeat to Swedru All Blacks last weekend dented their league push, but midweek FA Cup success over King Faisal should provide renewed confidence.
Sitting third and four points off the summit, Kotoko cannot afford further slip-ups, especially at their Kumasi base. Chelsea, however, arrive with their backs against the wall, fully aware that points gained away from home could prove decisive in their survival bid.
Aduana FC, now fourth on the league table after a shock 0-1 home defeat to Vision FC, face Karela United at the Nana Agyemang Badu Park in Dormaa-Ahenkro, with Aduana attempting to reassert themselves in the title conversation, while seventh-placed Karela look to consolidate their top-half push.
Dreams FC welcome Heart of Lions to the Tuba Astro Turf Park in a clash with significant implications for mid-table positioning, while Swedru All Blacks host Nations FC after their eye-catching win over Kotoko.
At the Nsenkyire Sports Arena, FC Samartex will lean heavily on their formidable home record when they entertain Vision FC. Under Christopher Ennin, FC Samartex remain unbeaten at home this season and sit sixth with an impressive haul of 12 wins and five draws from 17 matches.
Vision FC, though buoyed by last weekend’s upset of Aduana FC, face a stern test against one of the league’s most disciplined sides on their own turf.
Survival meets ambition in Hohoe
Later today, attention shifts to the Hohoe Sports Stadium, where relegation-threatened Hohoe United host title-chasing Hearts of Oak.
For the Premier League debutants, the situation is increasingly urgent. A four-game winless run has left them stuck in the drop zone with 18 points, and goals have been painfully scarce —just 13 scored in 17 matches, with blanks in four of their last five outings.
Hearts arrive wounded but dangerous. Last weekend’s narrow 0–1 defeat to Medeama ended a three-game unbeaten run and their sequence of clean sheets, but the Phobians still boast the league’s best defensive record, having conceded only seven goals all season.
Their challenge remains at the other end of the pitch. With just 11 goals scored, Hearts have the weakest attack in the division, yet Coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani’s side have been impressively resilient on their travels.
They rank as the league’s second-best away team, with three wins, four draws and only two defeats from nine outings.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh