When it comes to handing out season accolades, people rarely look beyond the big stars. But what about those lesser praised individuals who have also made a big difference for their respective clubs this season?
We all expect the likes of Mohammed Alhassan and Augustine Okrah to do well, but what of those players who have massively exceeded expectations and defied all the odds?
Here's a look at an alternative team of the season, made up of players who couldn't make the cut in our team of the season.
GK- Danlad Ibrahim (Kotoko)
Ibrahim has emerged, seemingly out of nowhere, as one of the division's most extraordinarily gifted goalkeepers, projecting a calmness and consistency throughout the Kotoko back four.
His short-passing under pressure is considerably more important. The Porcupine Warriors were able to recycle possession and build from the back in a way that simply would not be possible with any of the club's goalkeepers. In 19 games, he kept 12 clean sheets and conceded 11 goals.
(RB)- Kelvin Kyei (Accra Lions)
Probably the least known on the list, but certainly not the least talented. Kyei has been outstanding for his club this campaign.
At just 22, the full-back has earned plaudits for his speed, technical qualities and ability to make a tackle. In other words, he’s all you could ever want in a right-back.
Blessed with lightening pace and lovely close control, the teenager is a real swashbuckling full-back capable of driving deep into opposition territory with the ball at his feet.
CB- Vincent Atinga (Medeama)
A key cog in Medeama's' incredible campaign, the towering defender was on the of first names on Umar Rabi's team sheets.
The intelligent defender is a defensive marvel. The gritty experience he provided was invaluable to the team.
CB- Kofi Agbesima (Bechem United)
Strong and composed leadership is a high-ranking trademark for a Ghanaian centre-back and Bechem United have that in Kofi Agbesima.
The defender not only has the makings of an old-school defender but can combine that ruthless quality with a modern-day ball-playing attribute that so many defenders possess. Agbesima was also a regular fixture for the Hunters this campaign.
LB- Benjamin Abaidoo ( Medeama)
One player who can feel hard done by not to be in our Team of the Year is full back Benjamin Abaidoo.
It is only the exceptional form of Kotoko's Imoro Ibrahim that has kept the Medeama left-back from being recognised for his consistently impressive form in the just ended league season.
CM- Mohammed Sheriff ( Kotoko)
How on earth did Sheriff miss out on Team of the Year? Despite not scoring or assisting many goals, there is an argument to be made that Sheriff is one of the best midfielders in the country.
Prosper Nartey Ogum trusted his Swiss army knife to play in umpteen positions this campaign, with the versatile Sheriff was assigned roles at right-back, right-wing, centre-back, defensive midfield and at central midfield. Strangely he thrived. Everything Kotoko did came through Sheriff, the league’s most intelligent and criminally under-rated player.
CM- Francis Twene (Bechem United)
The Bechem United midfielder has emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in Ghanaian football. His technical ability coupled with an impressive work-rate have seen him become one of the most sought out players in the division.
A classic box-to-box midfielder, Twene provides the vital glue in midfield. Despite his frame, Twene can mop up defensively just as well as he can launch attacking plays.
CAM- Ronald Frimpong (RTU)
RTU' Ronald Frimpong has taken to the Premier League like a duck to water and shone in what has been an indifferent season for the pride of the North.He always has a trick up his sleeve, even if he hasn't had the best of matches.
Even if RTU are willing to sell some of their stars, this boy is untouchable. Frimpong is one of the best playmakers in the country, and this season's exploits only add to his price tag. He scored 9 goals, registered 7 assists and won 5 MVP accolades.
RW- Matthew Kelvin Andoh (Karela United)
Andoh has matured considerably this year, improving his final ball and becoming much more consistent under the tutelage of Bismark Kobi Mensah. He is now one of the finest wingers in the game whose brilliance was masked by some popular players in the division.
He has been, in an otherwise remarkable year for Karela, consistently outstanding.
His reading of the game, confidence in possession, and speed makes Andoh the perfect winger for the modern game.
It's not just his right wand that dazzles. His extensive repertoire of skills can bamboozle even the most experienced defender, cutting either outside or inside and laying off for a teammate with measured precision.
ST- Bright Adjei (Aduana Stars)
Bright Adjei, a striker unmatched in his elements. His movement, teamwork, and intelligence are what binds the Ogya family together. With 14 goals to his credit, Adjei does not get the love he so deserves despite his talent. He is the complete forward, as effective linking play as he is in the box.
Above all, he offered endless work-rate and intelligence both on and off the ball that contribute to all the fine work Aduana (could) do, hence why his inclusion on this list is justified.
LW- Daniel Afriyie Barnie (Hearts of Oak)
A regular fixture throughout this season, the Hearts forward demonstrated his worth to Samuel Boadu in a variety of positions.
While leading the line, he was just as capable, when played in the right-wing and left-wing slots, the balance he offered to the side was vital. He has the breakneck pace over short distances that mean he can glide past defenders almost unknowingly, and the weight of his touch - first, second, third fourth, etc. - is so meticulous that he's a menace to get the ball off. He scored 8 goals for the Phobians in the league.
