By Saddick Adams
The Premier league returned this weekend with a bang after the international break. Â A lot of actions as expected but least number of goals registered in a week so far.
Fans witnessed the most keenly contested Hearts and Kotoko clash of the decade.
The two teams set out cautiously and exhibited a great deal of commitment which resulted in a lot of bookings rather than goals.
Elsewhere Bechem United recorded their first win in the league when they played Medeama in front of their home fans at Bechem whiles AshantiGold recorded their first ever victory over Tema Youth in a league match.
Berekum Chelsea's Nigerien import Musah Mohammed set a milestone record as he scored the 100th goal of the 2011/2012 league season which also happened to be the fastest goal this season under 47 seconds.
This helped Chelsea piped a stubborn Edubiase side 1-0 at the Gyemfi Park.
So you can expect a couple of selections from this matches as GHANAsoccernet’s SADDICK ADAMS put together the weekend’s individual performers in a team.
TEAM OF THE WEEK- FORMATION 4-4-2
Goalkeeper- SAMMY ADJEI (Hearts v Kotoko)
He stood strong to deny Kotoko on many occasions and managed to avoid his occasional blunders especially in this fixture.
Adjei made few strong saves late on to preserve a vital point for his team.
The Ghana international looked the busier of the two goalkeepers as he constantly arranged his rear guard to monitor the armada of attackers paraded by Kotoko.
Timed his moves very well and denied Ahmed Toure and Nathaniel Asamoah early on before parrying a thunderbolt from Yahaya Mohammed to a corner kick.
Right Back- SAMUEL KYERE (Chelsea) v Edubiase
The ex Atletico Madrid full back was a sensation at the Gyemfi Park. The swift defender was had a very decent game as he was solid at the back and a useful outlet in attack as well.
He was simple on the ball and rarely lost ground to Emmanuel Baffour.
His speed was too much to deal with by the Edubiase defence any time he embarked on the flying flank runs
Left Back- ABDUL RAHMAN BABA (Kotoko)v Hearts
The teenager has fit in well in his first season in the league. In a position that Kotoko has for years fell short at, he plays with such delight.
Few would have predicted that the youngster could have lasted the entire duration in such a competitive encounter days after returning from Europe with the Ghana U-20 team.
Kept Mahatma Otoo on a tight leash in the first half forcing the striker to over to the other side of the field.
Rahman also whipped in some very dangerous crosses on the few occasions he moved forward.
Centre Back-BISMARK OSEI YAW (Bechem United) v Medeama SC
The agile defender was the main hindrance between Medeama and goal.
He kept his lines very well and managed to contain the onslaught of Luis Agyeman, Richard Mpong and Han Coffie.
The defender was on several occasions seen in the opposing goal area during set pieces on of them resulting in the winner as Richard Agyei took advantage from the crowd in the area.
Centre Back-PHILLIP BOAMPONG (Hearts) v Kotoko
He gave a clear definition of the term ‘close marking’. His elder brother Coleman had done this three seasons ago when the two sides met in Accra with Kotoko having the best of attacks in Eric Bekoe.
This time, the no nonsense defender was given the arduous task of keeping Ahmed Toure at bay which he did to perfection.
The former Ghana Under-20 player pocketed the talented Ivorian for majority of the game albeit letting him off on some few occasions, some of these occasions was when the striker visited the touchlines for technical instructions.
Midfield- OWUSU JACKSON (Chelsea) v Edubiase
The hard tackling defensive midfielder was again on it as he stood between the onslaught of Edubiase and the Chelsea defence.
Jackson had a fair game in the center of the pitch as he impressed with his precise passing and vision.
Pulled the strings in midfield but was occasionally seen at the back helping the defence.
He had very good interchanges with Abdul Basit in midfield as the two rounded up the home side’s center.
Was the main reason why Chelsea took all the points home by defending solidly for 90 minutes.
Midfield- YAHAYA MOHAMMED (Kotoko) v Hearts
The dreadlocked midfielder has been a superb addition to the Kumasi based side.
He joined them this season but has integrated very well into the team and even dictating the pace of the game for the Porcupine lads on the few moments he starts.
The best box to box midfielder in the country to me now.
Yahaya was one of the few players who tested the Hearts of Oak goalkeeper as he unleashed a couple of thunderous strikes hitting the cross bar on one of the many occasions.
He was very unlucky not to have hit the back of the net. I wonder if he can stay injury free for the season.
Midfield-RICHARD AKRONG (Dwarfs) v Wassaman FC
The pacy winger was the only lively performer in a boring match at the Essipong Stadium. He played his part in a solid performance against the debutants.
Akrong continually provided some menacing raids down the right wing resulting in gilt-edged chances for his dull attackers.
He provided the assist for Seidu Bancey’s strike in the second half which was his side’s equalizer.
Has proved to be a super sub and is one of the reasons the cape coast based side have maintained their unbeaten run in the league.
Midfield-THOMAS ABBEY (Hearts) v Kotoko
A surprise inclusion in the team of the week but not to most spectators at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.
In difficult conditions, the Hearts of Oak midfielder initiated most of his team’s attack. Abbey was very confident on the ball and made nonsense of the pressure that characterized the fixture.
Kept his cool and covered a lot of ground and when hope was beginning to dwindle after Uriah Asante’s injury, he came up field to help matters.
He prevented Yaw Frimpong from embarking on his usual surging runs by constantly pressurizing the full back.
Abbey was arguably my man of the match in the Super Clash.
Attack-Didier Kore (Ashanti Gold) v Tema Youth
The Ivorian scored a brace to give Ashanti Gold their first ever victory over Tema Youth in a league match.
He became very lively after Tema Youth had equalized his first strike.
Kore was man of the match for majority of reasons beside the two goals-some lovely flicks and dribbles but his strike partner Aminu Mohammed didn't help matters enough.
Attack-MUSA MOHAMMED (Chelsea) v Edubiase
The Nigerien import making his debut had a very wonderful game.
In an early exchange with Emmanuel Clottey, the lanky striker netted cleanly the opener to well under 50 seconds.
Had his paper works delayed but defenders must have a big meat in subsequent matches Van Der Plym plays him.
Substitutes
Emmanuel Akouko (Aduana Stars), Ricahard Kissi (Chelsea), Isaac Ofori (Hearts),Richard Mpong (Medeama), Akwasi Addae Apraku (Aduana), Michael Akuffo (Kotoko)
Coach: Hans Van der Plym