Dreams FC will come face to face with Basake Holy Stars in a crucial Matchweek 17 fixture of the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League at the Tuba Astro Turf in Kokrobite on Sunday.
The Still Believe lads are seeking a response after a dramatic 3–2 defeat away to Bibiani GoldStars last weekend, a game in which they surrendered a lead in surprising fashion. Former Tudu Mighty Jets and Eleven Wise midfielder Winfred Dormon, now head coach of Dreams FC, will be desperate to inspire an immediate reaction as his side continues to wrestle with early-season inconsistency.
Basake Holy Stars, on the other hand, enter the game in fantastic mood following their impressive 2–0 home victory over Hohoe United last Sunday. The Big Holy have enjoyed a steady campaign to date since the takeover of their new gaffer, recording five wins, five draws and six defeats across 16 matches under the guidance of head coach Johnson Smith.
Dreams FC, on the other hand, have managed five wins, two draws and nine defeats so far, as they look to climb out of the red zone of the table.
Match Preview
After 16 rounds of matches, Dreams FC sit 16th on the league log with 17 points, hovering just above the relegation zone in the 18-club standings. The Still Believe have shown flashes of attacking promise but continue to struggle with defensive mistakes and game-management issues late in matches.
With home advantage on the Tuba Astro Turf, Dormon’s side will look to impose themselves through midfield control and fast-game pressing.
Basake Holy Stars currently occupy 10th place with 20 points, reflecting a campaign built on organisation, discipline and clinical finishing in transition. Their away form has improved in recent matches, and they will approach this fixture with confidence as they attempt to move closer to the top half of the league log.
Coach Johnson Smith has assembled a compact and hard-working unit, with his side often relying on quick breaks and intelligent movement in attack.
This clash brings together two contrasting styles, Dreams FC chasing stability, and Basake Holy Stars aiming to consolidate their mid-table platform.
Team News
Dreams FC
The hosts are expected to make minor changes following last weekend’s defeat, with emphasis likely to be placed on shoring up their defensive structure.
Captain John Antwi remains central to their attack organisation, while Seidu Suraj is set to return to add energy and ball progression in the middle of the park. Forward Jonathan Nemorden is pushing for a starting role after lively displays in recent games.
No major injury concerns have been reported from the Dreams camp ahead of the clash.
Basake Holy Stars
Basake Holy Stars head into the game with a largely settled squad after their win over Hohoe United. Captain Issah Yakubu continues to anchor the midfield, offering leadership and balance in their 3-4-2-1 structure.
Prince Gamor and Clement Gyapong are expected to provide attacking movement in the box, while Prince Amponsah guards the back line as Smith’s men look to remain organised away from home.
Possible Lineups
Dreams FC
Gidios Aseako (GK); Yaro Isaac, Kuma Kofi, Izdeen Mohammed, Ernest Appiah; John Antwi (C), Adams Aminu, Seidu Suraj; Charles Bartels, Jonathan Nemorden, Yaovi Chris Guede.
Basake Holy Stars
Patrick Appiah (GK); Prince Amponsah, Abdul Dagbatey Basit, Sadat Zumah Ibrahim; Jacob Boazee, Ridwan Ali, Kingsford Baffoe, Issah Yakubu (C);
Prince Gamor, Gideon Kofi Quaison; Clement Gyapong.
We say: Dreams FC 1–1 Basake Holy Stars
We expect a closely-fought encounter, with Dreams FC likely to start on the front foot in search of an early breakthrough, potentially seeing John Antwi convert from a wide attacking move.
However, Basake Holy Stars counter-attacking structure could see them respond after the break, with Clement Gyapong well-placed to strike from a swift transition to secure a share of the spoils.
Where is the game being played? Tuba Astro Turf, home of Dreams FC.
What time is kick-off? 16:00 GMT, Sunday, January 4, 2025.
By: Pascal Amoah
