Ghanaian forward Kelvin Ofori netted his first goals of the 2024-25 season in the Slovakian Nike Liga, helping FC Spartak Trnava to a dominant 4-0 victory over FK Zeleziarne Podbrezova on Saturday.
After both side’s putting up a shambolic performance in the ongoing Premier League, cellar dwellers Nsoatreman will lock horns with Legon Cities on Sunday afternoon at the Nana Amoah Koronmansa Park in Nsoatre.
Yaw Preko’a men made life incredibly difficult for themselves against Asante Kotoko in a top flight outstanding match against Asante Kotoko which they eventually succumbed by one goal to nothing, while the Royals were 2-0 losers against Karela United.
Match Preview
The Ghana Premier League has been the sole focus so far this season, and it’s been a mixed start to the new campaign. Nsoatreman opened with a 2-0 against newly-promoted Young Apostles, and are yet to get their first win of the season. But Legon Cities have also been poor this season, losing 2-1 to Bibiani Goldstars before suffering a 1-0 loss against Medeama.
Nsoatreman are in their third season as a Premier League side, but it was a rocky campaign last season. Fresh off the back of a top-five finish, Nonetheless, it was a good season.
This season, however, hasn’t started well. Although, Preko has been backed by the club which is yet to pay off.
Nsoatreman scored six goals in their six games against Legon Cities in the Ghana Premier League since 2023. Overall, Nsoatreman have won 2 of their 6 games against Legon Cities, with just two victories for the Royals as well.
Team News
There are no injury issues in both side’s, as Yaw Preko and Paa Kwasi Fabin will be out aiming to rebound from their abysmal showing in the ongoing campaign.
Nsoatreman possible starting lineup:
Acquah (G), Rahman, Amoo, Anokye, Diyou, Fuseini, Issaka, Kwabena, Osei Bonsu, Sekyere, Tsivanyo.
Legon Cities possible starting lineup:
Aziz (G), Akoto (C), Quartey, Kamal, Alidu, Tagoe, Sumaila, Gyesi, J. Amoah, I. Amoah, Twum.
We say: Nsoatreman 2-0 Legon Cities
In spite of Nsoatreman’s lackadaisical attacking displays so far this season, they should not be short of chances to carve Cities open.
Preko’s men should therefore find their way through at least once, and a first-choice defence can then keep a depleted Royals frontline at bay.
By: Pascal Amoah
Premier League old foes Berekum Chelsea welcome newly promoted Young Apostles to Golden City Park for a Bono Regional derby on Sunday afternoon.
These clash is the two teams first meeting in their club history. B. Chelsea have won one of their three Premier League games so far, drawing with Vision FC and Asante Kotoko.
Undoubtedly, Coach Samuel Boadu will be targeting that feat as a packed schedule continues apace: his side face Nsoatreman, next week, shortly after, they will regroup and face Accra Lions and Legon Cities.
However, Apostles will be acutely aware of B. Chelsea shortcomings at Golden City since the end of 2023. Between March of last year and Christmas, they conceded 26 goals in 29 Ghana Premier League games; since then, they have shipped 27 in 20 matches.
While Apostles won 3-2 in the teams' last league meeting, they have actually lost just one of their last four league games after securing promotion into the top-flight before making the short trip across Bono this weekend.
There are precious few other good omens for Asare Bediako and his Boys to cling onto, as they have been a surprise package in the ongoing campaign.
Apostles are now occupying the 10th place in the table with five points on the road so far this term.
Team News
Samuel Boadu’s men emerged unscathed, where he will unleash all his key cogs who returns to the starting XI and might do the job for him on Sunday, October 6.
Meanwhile, Young Apostles will go into this match with all their lads as none of their players are engrossed in any injury issues.
Berekum Chelsea possible starting lineup:
Sekyere (GK); Abaidoo, Zakaria (C), Achempong, Amankonah, Ameyaw, Badori, Gyau, Mezack, Sarpong, Seidu.
Young Apostles possible starting lineup:
Ofosu (GK), Aboubakar, Afram, Amegbe, Huseine, Kontor, Lomotey, Muftaw, Muntalla, Rahman, Suleiman (C).
We say: Berekum Chelsea 2-1 Young Apostles
Goals should be guaranteed, as B. Chelsea are particularly potent on home turf and Apostles cannot stop conceding. Buoyed by their big win last time out, the Wenchi based side can ride the wave of momentum and could overturn the writings in the realms and see off their experienced local rivals.
By: Pascal Amoah
Dreams FC will host Nations FC at their new home ground, the Tuba Astro Turf, on Sunday, October 6, 2024, for a match week 5 clash in the Ghana Premier League.
Vision FC host newly promoted Basake Holy Stars at the Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex this Sunday as both sides look to assert themselves in the top-flight league.
Defending champions FC Samartex 1996 head to the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium to take on Karela United in Week 5 of the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League.
Match Preview
Karela United currently sit 11th on the league table with four points, having scored and conceded three goals each. They come into this fixture off the back of an impressive 2-0 victory over Legon Cities in Accra last weekend and are hoping to secure back-to-back wins. Karela have lost just once at home this season, making their home form a crucial factor.
On the other hand, FC Samartex are winless in their last eight away games stretching back to the 2023 season. Despite this poor away record, they have one outstanding match to be played, which could help them climb the table.
The history between these two teams also favors Karela United, who have won both of their previous home meetings against FC Samartex. In the 2022/23 season, Karela edged out a 1-0 victory, while in the 2023/24 season, they recorded a 4-2 triumph.
Team News
Karela United head coach Jimmy Cobblah has a fully fit squad available and might make some changes following their recent win over Legon Cities. With no injuries to worry about, Cobblah could rotate his squad, giving fresh opportunities to several players.
For FC Samartex, head coach Paa Kwesi Fabin might opt to switch back to a four-man defense. Ishmael Amoah is expected to lead the attack, while Yeboah, Fusseini, and Asamoah remain available options if Fabin decides to refresh the lineup.
Predicted Lineups
Karela United: Ganiu (GK); Abdulai, Aboubakar, Konadu, Firdaus, Gariba, G. Ibrahim, N. Ibrahim, Issah, Latif, Rahman.
FC Samartex: Kofi Baah (GK); Samuel Tetteh, Isaac Afful, Ebenezer Acquah, James Sewornu, Lord Hilary Adabo, Benjamin Gyetuah, Richmond Darko, Michael Ephson, Emmanuel Mamah, Solomon Agyei.
Prediction
Given Karela United's strong home form and FC Samartex's struggles away from home, this match could be a closely contested affair. Both teams will be eager to secure points, but a draw seems the likely outcome.
We say: Karela United 1-1 FC Samartex
Kickoff: 15:00 GMT (3:00 PM).
