The second half of the betPawa Premier League begins this weekend. The drama continues as the race to finish in the top four and avoid relegation hots up.
There are some eye-catching fixtures this weekend, including second-placed Hearts taking on league leaders Aduana Stars at the Accra Sports stadium on Sunday.
Here are three things to watch out for this weekend in Ghana’s elite football division.
Bismark Kobby Mensah’s first game as Olympics coach
Following their recent abysmal performances, Accra Great Olympics have sacked Yaw Preko. Several names were in the running for the role, including former Asante Kotoko manager Prosper Narteh Ogum. However, it was Bismark Kobby Mensah who got the green light. Mensah has previously coached in the top flight with Karela United FC.
During his time at Karela, he guided the Passioners to a fourth-place finish in his first season at the club. The appointment makes sense in more ways than one. Mensah knows what it takes to stay in the league.
His first game in charge will be an away game to Kassim Mingle’s Bechem United this Sunday. The Hunters have had improved campaign under the watch of Mingle. They are fourth on the league table with 27 points trailing the league leaders Aduana Stars by five points.
It will be interesting to see how Mensah gets his side to lineup this weekend. On the road, it could be the ideal chance for an immediate new manager lift.
Kotoko face test of title mettle
It may not have been their first loss of the season, but Kotoko’s misstep at Dreams presents them with an unfamiliar psychological challenge. The defeat could be rationalised as a setback against an opponent and at a ground where they have often trimphed, they will be bitterly disappointed to have fallen into Karim Zito’s earthworm-infested trap.
While one surprise defeat might seem like a bump in the road, two on the bounce would threaten a burst tyre. Placed third on the log with 27 points, five points behind the league leaders Aduana Stars, the Porcupine Warriors will play as guests of Nsoatreman FC.
The league debutants have a solid home record save with their only home loss suffered against Accra Hearts of Oak. Nsoatreman will offer a stern test of endurance, even if they are to lose to Kotoko.
Top of the table clash: Hearts vrs Aduana Stars
There is a top of the table clash this Sunday as Accra Hearts of Oak (2nd) host Aduana Stars (1st) at the Accra Sports stadium. The rise of Aduana Stars this season has been nothing short of fairytale stuff.
It has caught the attention of football pundits and connoisseurs and given hope to football romantics who dream of footballing success without having to spend massive transfer sums. The fact they’re going toe-to-toe with the likes of Kotoko, Hearts and Medeama proves that it’s not all about endless cash injections.
Aduana work on a tight transfer budget and are clever in their recruiting.
The sheer juxtaposition of the two teams makes this an interesting game on its own. However, the fact that both are fighting for Champions League football and a possible title is all the more thrilling.
By: Godfred Budu
