The Tarkwa and Aboso Stadium will be the stage for an intense Western derby on Sunday as Medeama SC welcome league leaders Bibiani Gold Stars in a critical Ghana Premier League encounter.
Match Preview
Medeama SC, last season’s champions, are enduring a difficult campaign, currently languishing in 7th place with 15 points. The Mauve and Yellow have struggled for consistency, winning only one of their last five matches (D1, L3) while scoring seven goals and conceding eight.
They head into this fixture on the back of a disappointing 1-0 loss to Dreams FC last weekend, adding pressure to rediscover their championship-winning form.
Gold Stars FC, on the other hand, have been the standout team this season. The Miners are unbeaten in 10 matches (W5, D5), amassing 20 points to maintain their place at the summit of the table. Their defensive solidity has been key, conceding just three goals—the joint-lowest in the league. However, consecutive goalless draws, including their last match against Young Apostles, indicate that the leaders may need to rekindle their attacking spark.
Team News
- Medeama SC: The reigning champions will rely on home advantage and their solid track record against Gold Stars. In their last three home meetings, Medeama have won twice and drawn once. They edged out Gold Stars 1-0 in both the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons.
- Gold Stars FC: The league leaders boast an excellent defensive record and a strong away presence, with one win and four draws on the road this season. Their disciplined approach will be critical as they aim to maintain their unbeaten run.
Key Battles:
- Medeama’s attack, which has been inconsistent, will face the challenge of breaking through Gold Stars’ formidable defense.
- Gold Stars, though defensively secure, will need to sharpen their offense against a Medeama side desperate for points.
Medeama SC: Kubi, Nurudeen, Cudjoe, Prosper, Kamaradini, Sulemana, Babil, Boison, Mantey, Braye, Taylor
Gold Stars: Kobi, Atingah, Anaba, Denkyi, Kelvin, Bright, Bosomtwi, Amankwah, Attah Kumi, Kamara, Ronald
Kickoff and Venue:
The match kicks off at 3:00 PM local time at the Tarkwa and Aboso Stadium.
Prediction:
History favors Medeama in this fixture, but Gold Stars’ unbeaten streak adds a layer of intrigue. A hard-fought draw, possibly 1-1, is a likely outcome, though Medeama’s urgency for a win could see them edge this derby by a narrow margin.
