Yaw Acheampong has for the first time in three seasons gone on a three game winless run, recording three draws in succession. That is the record of Elmina Sharks in the three-week-old 2020/21 Premier League season.
They began the campaign with a draw against Dwarfs (2-2), drew at home to Liberty Professionals (1-1) before last Sunday’s draw against WAFA (1-1) in Sogakope.
In all, they have bagged a paltry three points from a possible 9, an average outing for a side that boast of some of the finest talents in the League. Benjamin Boateng scored 7 goals in 15 matches last season but the 19-year-old has yet to score this term finding goals hard to come by.
He is competing for a regular place in the team and so far, the exploits of Justice Mensah, Ishmael Hammond, Richard Mpong and Benjamin Tweneboah have made life difficult for him. Elmina Sharks will Thursday face Aduana Stars, another experienced side in the Ghanaian top flight.
The two-time Champions who have a game in hand (against Hearts of Oak), have gone two games without a win drawing (1-1) against King Faisal and playing out a goalless draw against rivals Bechem United. For Aduana stars, the players they possess give a strong indication that they will look dangerous when the team begins to jell. The only missing part in their jigsaw is Yahaya Mohammed.
The former Tema Youth and Asante Kotoko forward picked up a shoulder injury in the first game of the season, ruling him out for several weeks. In his absence, the young John Nyamekye has been drafted into the starting line-up but he has yet to find his rhythm as he comes nowhere near Yahaya Mohammed in terms of experience.
Aduana stars brought in former Asante Kotoko midfielder Prince Acquah to replace the departed Elvis Opoku (now at Legon Cities), but the former, has yet to sparkle in midfield for the Ogya lads. They have one of the best goalkeepers in the competition in Joseph Addo.
The Ghana International, has not conceded in two games and was named man of the match against King Faisal as his heroics won them one point at Techiman. Samuel Bio, hero in last season’s 1-0 win against Asante Kotoko provides them with width due to his versatility on both flanks.
Elmina Sharks have not won at home since Sunday, March 15, 2020 when they came from behind to beat Dreams FC 2-1 in the truncated 2019/2020 season. Their recent home games (3) have all ended in draws, setting up a dicey duel against Aduana stars on Thursday.
Their (Elmina Sharks vs Aduana stars) last three meetings have gone in favour of Aduana stars (two wins, one draw)
The game will be broadcasted live on StarTimes Adepa channel 647 at 6pm.
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