FC Samartex return to action on Sunday, May 3, as they host Basake Holy Stars at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena in an emotionally charged Ghana Premier League fixture.
Match Preview
The league resumes after a week-long break following the tragic passing of Dominic Frimpong, the young midfielder who was on loan at Berekum Chelsea from Aduana Stars. The 20-year-old lost his life in a robbery attack on the team bus after Chelsea’s match against Samartex — a heartbreaking incident that has cast a shadow over Ghanaian football.
All clubs are expected to observe a minute’s silence in his honour, and Sunday’s clash will carry added emotional weight, particularly for Samartex, where Frimpong made his final appearance.
On the pitch, Samartex will be eager to channel that emotion into performance as they aim to secure victory at home. The former champions appear to be regaining momentum, having recorded back-to-back wins and suffering just one defeat in their last five matches.
However, they face a resilient Basake Holy Stars side that has quietly climbed the table with a strong run of form. The visitors have won two and drawn two of their last five matches, moving up to 10th and easing relegation concerns.
With momentum on their side, Holy Stars are now eyeing a potential late push for a top-four finish, sitting just five points behind fourth-placed Aduana Stars.
Samartex, too, have ambitions of climbing higher, but must first overcome a side that has proven difficult in recent meetings. This will be the fourth Ghana Premier League encounter between the two teams, with Holy Stars holding the upper hand with two wins from the previous three clashes.
Team News
Samartex will rely on experienced figures such as Kofi Agbesimah and Charles Boateng to provide leadership, while Mohammed Alhassan Mankuyeli is expected to spearhead the attack.
Basake Holy Stars, on the other hand, will look to attacking duo Prince Tweneboah and Sylvester Simba to continue their fine form in front of goal.
Possible Lineups
FC Samartex:
Musa Zakari; Ebenezer Acquah, Kofi Agbesimah (C), Samuel Tetteh Mensah; Solomon Adjei, Emmanuel Essien, Kwaku Owusu, Akwasi Sarpong; Emmanuel Mamah, Godwin Safah, Osman Zakari
Basake Holy Stars:
Tayi (GK); Asante, Kwame, Boazee, Author; Quaison, Oteng, Simba; Tweneboah, Yakubu, Somiah
Prediction
With both teams in good form, this promises to be a tightly contested encounter. Samartex’s home advantage and emotional motivation could give them a slight edge, but Holy Stars’ recent consistency makes them a dangerous opponent.
Prediction: FC Samartex 2-1 Basake Holy Stars
