The Ghanaian Premier League is back and as expected, a weekend of talking points have emerged right from our screens.
The opening weekend of every season is usually highly anticipated. You get to see your favourite teams line up for the first time in their new kit, with those signings and with a new mission.
With an exciting season set for grabs in Ghana, here are six things we have learned in the opening weekend of the 2022/23 season.
Big Season for Medeama
There is talk in town that for the first time in a long time, Medeama could be set for a really exciting season. Of course, it is something that is usually being said at the start of every season and every time that statement is uttered, Medeama go on to disappoint.
But there is something about Sunday's convincing 1-0 defeat of Legon Cities that shows that maybe, just maybe, the Tarkwa-based side could turn the tables!
Sunday's opponents were weak and the season is still long, but the optimism is high as it should be.
Bright Agyei will always be important
Bright Agyei gave a man of the match performance against Hearts on Sunday.
It has become a normal sight to see Agyei linked with an exit from Aduana Stars, and it has also become normal to see him stay put with the Ogya family in the end.
Agyei once again showed why Aduana rate him highly as he scored the only goal to hand Paa Kwesi Fabin's side a win against Hearts on Sunday. Aduana, who handed summer signing Douglas Owusu Ansah his debut as a starter, were the best side against the Phobians and Agyei was enough to spare their blushes.
Dreams Are a Force to Be Reckoned With
Nobody thought Dreams FC had any chance of beating Bibiani Goldstars at the Duns Park last weekend; indeed, very few people thought they could even pick up a point but a sprightly display by the 'Still Believe' ladd ensured they handed their hosts their first defeat of the season.
Dreams' performance showed they can't be torpedoed and could be the league's surprise package.
Hearts Are Not Heading in the Right Direction/Any Direction
Look at the league table again, and it will show you that Hearts and Kotoko are on the same number of points. Do not let that deceive you. The Porcupine Warriors have yet to kick a ball in the league due to their continental engagement.
Samuel Boadu's side were dismal over the weekend, slipping to a 1-0 defeat to Aduana Stars. The team looked sluggish, and it was hard to see how they were going to score goals.
It is also difficult to know where the Phobians are heading. They certainly do not seem to be going up the table any time soon, but they are not really going backwards either. Their away form since last season has been abysmal. This was simply a continuation of that run. Another season of fighting for a Top Four place awaits. That is fast becoming the norm.
You Can't Take Your Eyes Off a Karela Game
Karela United FC are fast becoming arguably the most entertaining team to watch in the league. Not necessarily for all the right reasons, but the point still stands.
On Sunday they snatched a 1-0 victory over debutante Tamale City at home. We did not learn a great deal about Karela if we are honest. We know they are great going forwards. We know that they are not great/atrocious when it comes to defending. That makes for brilliant viewing though. When Karela are on the TV, you do not want to miss it.
Kofi Mensah Could Be Medeama's Most Important Signing of the Window
In a window that saw Medeama bring in a lot of exciting attacking talents, it is their least expensive signing who could prove to be most crucial.
The Mauves and Yellows recorded their first away victory of the season - and Kofi Mensah produced at the other end as they ran out 1-0 winners over Legon Cities.
Medeama's backline suddenly look more confident, organised and assured with the former Ashantigold man behind them. With the forward players the club have brought in and already have at their disposal, scoring should not be an issue for David Duncan's side. With the addition of Mensah, conceding is also becoming less of a worry.
