GPL: Five things to learn from matchday 6
The sixth round of matches of the 2022-2023 Ghana Premier League season has concluded successfully, with King Faisal, Kotoko, Accra Lions, and Real Tamale United all winning, while Hearts and Olympics failed to win.
Here are five major points from the weekend’s games.
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HUNTERS OVERPOWERED BY LIONS
Accra Lions extended their excellent run, stunning Bechem United and snapping their 22-game undefeated streak at home. After Hearts of Oak beat them in May 2021, the Hunters have not lost at home in 18 months. During that time, Bechem scored 30 goals while conceding only six. On this occasion, their predators have also continued their unusual pattern, winning five out of five games after losing their first match against Kotoku Royals. While Bechem falls to the 13th position, Accra Lions will remain league leaders following Aduana’s loss against Tamale. Andrews Owusu, the goalkeeper, extends his streak of clean sheets to four.
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DREAMS ENDING THEIR DREAMS
Dreams FC were defeated 2-1 in Nsoatreman and were unable to regain their winning form. The Still Believe boys started the season on a high note with two consecutive wins and outstanding performances. However, Dreams FC has not performed at the same level, particularly after the injunction was lifted. They have gone winless in their previous four games following back-to-back victories. They have three defeats, five goals surrendered, and one goal scored. Dreams have yet to score more than one goal this season. Nsoatreman, on the other side, earned their third victory of the season and moved into the top six.
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TAMALE EXTINGUISHES ADUANA FIRE
Real Tamale United secured a 1-0 win over Aduana Stars to end the Dormaa club’s unbeaten run. Samartex came the closest to defeating Aduana, going two goals up only to see the Ogya lads equalize on match week three, but Real Tamale United got it right. They scored as early as the 14th minute, and Aduana could not come back despite their best efforts. The Northern-based team may have encountered difficulties last season, which may have carried over into this season. However, a victory over in-form Aduana may be precisely what RTU needs to fine-tune their game.
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KING FAISAL WIN AT LAST
They scored their first goal last weekend and won their first game on Friday. They had to wait until their sixth match of the season. King Faisal has scored three goals and conceded 11 in their previous five games. There was clearly a dread of repeating their previous season’s seven-game losing streak. If the form of Kotoku Royals is any indication, King Faisal may be mistaken in believing they are truly back for good. Kotoku Royals have struggled with outcomes this season and losing was no huge thing before the match. They have one victory, one defeat, and four defeats.
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MEDEAMA’S ATROCIOUS RUN
Asante Kotoko won in Medeama, making it back-to-back away victories over the Yellow and Mauves for the first time in 10 years. Medeama have been unimpressive this season, with the Tarkwa boys winning two games and losing four in a row. Historically, it is their worst run of games in 14 years, when they also lost four games in a row, their fourth defeat being in January 2008 against Kotoko. While Medeama fall further down the ladder, Kotoko move ahead of Aduana Stars on goal difference to take second place. This season, the Porcupines have only lost to Bechem United and drawn with Hearts of Oak.
