Medeama SC’s 12-year wait for their first Ghana Premier League title is over after the Mauves and Yellows defeated Tamale City 3-0 at the Akoon Park on Sunday to be crowned champions for the 2022/23 league season.
They became the first team from the Western Region to achieve this feat since Sekondi Hasaacas in 1977.
Medeama are worthy champions. And here are three reasons why.
Akoon Park was a fortress
Home form has been a major factor in Medeama’s success this season. The Akoon Park was an impenetrable fortress for most of the clubs this season. In 17 home games, they won 14 and lost three accumulating a total of 42 points scoring 27 and conceding 9 goals. Medeama became the sort of ruthless and horrible team that makes visitors admit defeat before they even set foot on the pitch.
With the roar of the fans and quality of player mentally winning the game before a ball was kicked. A draw was deemed a good result for visitors and teams would change their style of play for the game to avoid a battering. Visiting teams come bereft of confidence knowing they can’t get a result because they won’t get chances.
Perfectly balanced team
Medeama was one of the three teams with the fewest goals conceded during the season, allowing only 29 goals. Only Aduana Stars (25) and Bechem United (26) achieved better defensive records.
They also have the perfect blend of energy, composure, and solidity in an all-conquering midfield that comprises of Jean Vital Ourega, Kwasi Donsu, and Manuel Martey and, to a lesser extent this season, Prosper Owusu Boakye. And led by the steady presence of their volante, Ourega, Medeama’s trio in the centre of the pitch functions as an ideal foil.
Augustine Evans Adotey
The Mauves and Yellow’s charismatic manager has been the driving force behind the club’s resurgence since his arrival in March 2023 replacing David Duncan and this season is the culmination of his pledge to win the league for the Tarkwa-based side.
Unlike his previous spells with the club, the 58-year-old gaffer has been less cheerleader and more wise, old head. But even if he has been keeping the players grounded, his drive to maintain the very highest standards has ensured they have not been allowed to ease off at any point.
Of course, he backs that up with a tactical understanding and ethos that many clubs have since tried to mimic. His preferred formation 4-2-3-1 is commonplace now - both in the game and in its vocabulary - and much of that is the result of the success that Medeama's affable boss has enjoyed.
He has surely etched his name in the club’s folklore as their greatest manager having helped them to win the FA Cup in 2013 and 2015.
By: Godfred Budu
