Basake Holy Stars will host Medeama SC at CAM Park in Anyinase on Sunday, September 29, 2024, in a crucial Ghana Premier League matchup.
Both teams will be aiming for points to solidify their positions in the early stages of the season.
Preview
Basake Holy Stars, a newly promoted side, have had a solid start to life in the top flight. They secured a surprising 1-0 win over Hearts of Oak on the opening day, signaling their intent to compete in the league.
Following that, they managed a goalless draw against Dreams FC before suffering their first defeat, a 2-0 loss to Bibiani Gold Stars away from home.
This run of results leaves them in 8th place on the league table with four points from three games.
Defensively, the Holy Stars have been strong, conceding just one goal in their three matches so far. However, their attacking output has been less impressive, with only one goal scored in the 270 minutes of football they’ve played. Head coach Abdulai Gazale will be looking to address these attacking issues, as a lack of goals could hinder their progress in the league.
Medeama SC, on the other hand, come into the fixture with excellent form. They are second in the league after winning both of their opening matches against Accra Lions and Legon Cities. Having not played in week three due to Samartex’s involvement in the CAF Champions League, Medeama will be well-rested and ready for this encounter. Under the guidance of coach Nebojsa Kapor, the former champions have looked solid on both ends of the pitch.
This fixture presents a stern challenge for Basake Holy Stars, but playing at home could offer them an advantage. The last meeting between these two sides was a pre-season friendly in Tarkwa, which ended in a draw and was decided by penalties in favor of Basake Holy Stars. However, the stakes will be much higher this time around.
Both sides have a point to prove—Basake Holy Stars will be eager to show they belong in the Premier League, while Medeama SC will want to maintain their 100% start and keep pressure on the league leaders.
Team News
Basake Holy Stars are riding high after a mixed start to the season, with four points from three matches. Coach Abdulai Gazale is focused on maintaining momentum and is determined to secure all three points on the road. The team have all players available for this fixture.
Bosnian gaffer Nebojsa Kapor, on the other hand, has all squad available and affirmed in his pre-match presser they are coming into the game for a win despite expecting a difficult game.
"It’s good we played them already just a few weeks ago. We have taken lessons from it,” Kapor noted. "I expect that they have changed something, but they cannot change much. I will also concentrate on things we worked well in the previous meeting. "Players are aware of what is most important. If you remember in the second half we changed some things and fixed our performance. We are aware and it will help us to set up something," he added.
Possible lineups:
- Basake Holy Stars: Wahab (GK), Boadi, Author, Zuma, Yakubu, Gyetuah, Asante, Baffour Awuah, Dacosta, Tweneboah, Emmanuel Kwame.
- Medeama SC: Kubi, Enu, Sulemana, Cudjoe, Kamaradini, Dzakpasu, Osah Tetteh, Mantey, Ackahbi, Diawisie, Babil.
Prediction:
Medeama's experience and quality may prove too strong for Basake Holy Stars, especially given their excellent form. However, Basake will be determined to defend their home ground. A tight contest could end in a narrow win for Medeama, or a hard-fought draw.
Prediction: Basake Holy Stars 0-1 Medeama SC.
Kick-off:
- Date: Sunday, September 29, 2024
- Time: 15:00 GMT
- Venue: Crosby Awuah Memorial Park, Anyinase.
