We have seen some standout performances by those we expected to compete at the top of the table, as well as some slightly more surprising displays from the ones we did not have as excessive hopes for.
Lets take a look at the top five matches in the Ghana Premier League that have defined the season to date.
- February 6: Hearts of Oak 0-1 Great Olympics
This was a shocking defeat for the Phobians. A first-half strike from Razak Yussif was enough to secure all three points for Great Olympics at the Accra Sports Stadium. Former Inter and AC Milan star Sulley Muntari made his debut for Hearts of Oak in that game, playing in the second half. Hearts of Oak attempted to get back into the game but neither of their efforts threatened Great Olympics. The defeat ended Hearts of Oak’s 31- game unbeaten streak at the Accra Sports Stadium in all competitions.
- October 31: Bechem United 4-0 Medeama SC
It was a perfect opening game for Bechem United as they thrashed Medeama by four goals to nil at the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park in Bechem. A brace from Emmanuel Avornyo and a goal each from Francis Twene and Augustine Okrah ensured that Bechem united won the game comfortably. Augustine Okrah also provided two assists on that day. This was a joyous moment for the home fans. The defeat was one of Medeama’s heaviest away defeats in the Ghana Premier League.
- February 27: AshGold 1-4 Eleven Wonders
AshGold lost to relegation threatened side Eleven Wonders at the Len Clay Stadium in Obuasi. Before the game, Eleven Wonders had gone winless in their previous 8 away league games. They had only managed to pick up a point from 9 away games this season.
Wonders skipper, Mohammed Tetteh scored the opening goal of the game then the Miners equalized through Ali Mohammed, who headed the ball into the net from a corner kick. Osman Zackaria restored the lead for Eleven Wonders after 10minutes. Two substitutes, Andrews Kuma and Laar Ibrahim, scored a goal each late in the game to secure the maximum 3 points for the Techiman-based club.
- April 17: Real Tamale United 2 – 1 Asante Kotoko
Real Tamale United stunned league leaders Asante Kotoko at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in Tamale. This game was a perfect opportunity for Asante Kotoko to extend their lead at the top of the table. Ronald Frimpong and Victor Aidoo were on the score sheet for the Pride of the North in the first half. Franck Mbella Etouga scored a consolation goal for Kotoko from the penalty spot in the second half, but it was not enough to help the Porcupine Warriors to at least salvage a point from the game. RTU winning the game was their first victory over Asante Kotoko since 2008.
- April 10: Asante Kotoko 1-0 Hearts of Oak
This is arguably the biggest game in the Ghana Premier League. Asante Kotoko won the game by a lone goal in front of their home fans at Baba Yara Sports Stadium. Franck Mbella Etouga scored from the spot kick in the first half after Brazilian playmaker Fabio Gama was fouled in the box by Hearts of Oak midfielder Nurudeen Aziz. The Porcupine Warriors could have scored two or more goals in the game but were unable to capitalize on their opportunities. The Phobians returned from the break with an improved performance but could not get an equalizer. The victory took Kotoko 16points adrift of their arch rivals Hearts of Oak.
Story by Michael Nabary