Sunday Match-day Previews: Title chase and relegation battles intensify as league reaches home stretch

5 months ago
Premier League

Asante Kotoko vs Accra Great Olympics: 15:00GMT; Kumasi, StarTimes Adepa Channel 247

Accra Great Olympics travel to Kumasi to battle Asante Kotoko desperate for a win to aid their survival push on matchday-32 of the Ghana Premier League on Sunday June 2, 2024.

The Wonder Club, who have an outstanding match against Dreams FC, will need to pull the chestnut out of the blazing fire against the Porcupine Warriors.

The match has been moved to the Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex in Abrankese due to the unavailability of the Baba Yara Stadium.

Great Olympics are flirting with relegation as they lie 16th on the league table as another defeat could prove disastrous for survival pursuit.

Asante Kotoko, who are 9th on the table with 43 points, will aim to record back-to-back wins following their 2-0 win over rivals Hearts of Oak in their last encounter.

The Porcupine Warriors have won three times, drawn once and suffered one defeat in their last five matches.

The Ghanaian powerhouse have managed to secure 27 points at home so far, scoring 15 and conceding 9 in 15 appearances. They are ranked as the 3rd weakest home side this season.

Coach Prosper Ogum’s side have won their last three consecutive home games without conceding in all prior to this fixture.

Great Olympics after 30 matches with one outstanding game to play against Dreams FC in matchday27 are currently 16th on the table in the relegation zone with 36 points, having won 1, drawn 1 and suffered 3 defeats in their last 5 encounters.

The Dade Boys have managed to accumulate 9 points away from home in this campaign, scoring 6 and conceding 18. They are winless in their last 5 away games and are ranked as the 6th lowest away performers in the league.

Both teams have conceded same number of goals in the league this season (27).

Asante Kotoko have played Great Olympics three times at home in the league since 2020/21 season with Asante Kotoko winning one, drawing one and losing one.

In the 2020/21 season, Asante Kotoko lost 0-1 to Great Olympics, won 2-0 in the 2021/22 season before recording a 1-1 draw in the 2022/23 season.

Stephen Mukwala Desse is the second top scorer in the league currently and will hope to add more to his 14-goal tally on Sunday after netting a brace in the Super clash.

Other key players to watch in the game include, Justice Blay, Emmanuel Kotei, Enoch Morrison, Serge Eric Zeze, Andrews Ntim, Nicholas Bonsu, Yahaya Baba, Nurudeen Yussif Mohammed, Peter Acquah, Bernard Somuah and Kalo Ouattara, who all available for the game on Sunday.

Great Olympics boasts Emmanuel Antwi, Albert Amoah, Matthew Abayase, Gladson Awako, Samuel Ashie-Quaye, Isaac Mensah, Richard Botchway, Ebenezer Sekyere, Razak Kasim, Christopher Nettey, Raymond Grippman, Mathew Agama and Abednego Asare all fit for selection on Sunday.

Berekum Chelsea vs Real Tamale United: 15:00GMT; Berekum

Berekum Chelsea host basement club Real Tamale United (RTU) at the Golden City park on Sunday June 2, 2024 as the Premier League reaches home stretch.

Chelsea will be aiming to record a win infront of their home fans against the rock-bottom side while the visitors will be looking to end a disappointing campaign on a high note.

Berekum Chelsea sit 8th on the table with 44 points from 31 matches, having won 2 and suffered 3 defeats in their last 5 league games.

They are ranked as the 6th best home performers in the league this season after recording 10 wins, 3 draws and 2 defeats with 33 accumulated points, scoring 19 and conceding 9 goals.

Coach Samuel Boadu’s side head into this fixture with a victory in their last home league game against Asante Kotoko.

Real Tamale United are still at the bottom of the table with 31 points after 30 matches with one outstanding game to play in matchday28 against Dreams FC, having won 2 and suffered 3 defeats in their last 5 outings.

Real Tamale United are ranked as the least away performers in the league this season, following one win and 13 defeats after 14 appearances away from home, scored 11 and conceded 33.

Mohammed Mankuyeli has banged in 11 league goals for Real Tamale United this season and is expected to start the match on Sunday with the likes of Baba Kushibo, Faisal Gariba, Awudu Mohammed, Adams Hafiz, Abdul Sayibu, Asuno Adjetey, Husein Bilal, Lord Adabo, Abu Mohammed, Alhassan Musah and Jorge Renchi available for selection on Sunday.

It’s a battle between the side with the most goals conceded in this campaign, Real Tamale United (48) and the third most conceded side Berekum Chelsea (39).

Berekum Chelsea have played Real Tamale United twice at home in the league after the Tamale based returned to the Premiership in the 2021/22 season with Berekum Chelsea losing all.

In the 2021/22 season, Berekum Chelsea lost 0-1 to Real Tamale United and recorded 1-2 defeat in the 2022/23 season.

Stephen Amankonah is the current top scorer in the league with 15 goals and is expected to start the game on Sunday for Berekum Chelsea.

Other key players like, Awuah Dramani, Patrick Ansu, Zakaria Fuseini, Collins Ameyaw, Ahmed Adams, Yaw Dankwah, Lord Amoah, Hubert Gyau, Afriyie Mezack, Frank Oppong, Kuffour Asamoah and Vincent Adjei could al be available for the match.

Dreams FC vs Karela United: 15:00GMT; Dawu

Dreams FC will need to to keep their heads above water when they host Karela United at the Theatre of Dreams on Sunday.

The 2023-24 CAF Confederation Cup semi-finalist, are not out of the woods yet as they lie just two points above the drop zone ahead of the visit of United.

The two teams will go at each other in what promises to be a scintillating performance in Dawu on Sunday June 2, 2024.

Dreams FC after 29 matches with 2 outstanding games to play against Real Tamale United and Great Olympics have 38 accumulated points, having won 2, drawn 1 and suffered 2 defeats in their last 5 outings.

Dreams FC have managed to secure 28 points at home, scoring 24 and conceding 13 in the process. They are ranked as the 7th weakest home side in this campaign. The Still Believe lads recorded a victory in their last home league match against Legon Cities.

Karim Zito’s side are the 5th highest home scoring side (24).

Karela United are 12th on the league table with 40 points after 31 matches, having won 3, drawn 1 and suffered 1 defeat in their last 5 outings.

The Pride and Passion have managed to accumulate 9 points away from home, scoring 13 and conceding 27. They are ranked as the 5th least away performers this season.

Karela United have lost 4 of their last 5 consecutive away league games and are the third most conceding away side.

Dreams FC have played Karela United three times at home in the league since 2020/21 season with Dreams FC winning two and losing one.

In the 2020/21 season, Dreams FC beat Karela United 1-0, won 3-1 in the 2021/22 season before recording a goalless draw in the 2022/23 season.

Asamoah Boateng Mensah and Abdul Aziz Issah are expected to lead the attack for Dreams FC on Sunday. Godfred Atuahene, Daniel Agyei, Ofori McCarthy, Eric Boateng, Emmanuel Dankwah, Sulemana Suhiyini, Seth Agyemang, Joseph Esso, Dede Ishmael, Ebenezer Adade and Francis Odoom could all be available for the game.

Karela United can count on Giyasu Ibrahim, Fatawu Mohammed, Maxwell Arthur, Samuel Asiedu, Abdul Latif, Samuel Attah Kumi, Jibril Nurudeen, Welbeck Takyi, Abdul-Raman Yaya, Hafiz Abdulai, Humid Dafie, Umar Faruk and Solomon Aboagye for the match on Sunday.

Medeama SC vs Heart of Lions: 15:00GMT; Tarkwa

Medeama SC will go second on the league table with a home win against Heart of Lions on Sunday if Aduana Stars fail to win at Bechem United a day earlier.

The defending champions, who are six points behind leaders FC Samartex 1996, will be aiming to push the title race to the final day as they host Lions at the Akoon Community park.

The Mauve and Yellow are tied on same point with Aduana Stars in third but could overtake the Fire Club if they win and Aduana slip at Bechem United on Saturday.

Lions are just two points above the relegation zone in 13th position with 38 points from 31 matches so far. The Kpando-based side will need to put up a big performance in Tarkwa to continue their survival push.

Medeama SC have accumulated 49 points after 31 matches and are currently 3rd on the league table. The Mauve and Yellow have recorded 3 consecutive wins, 1 draw and 1 defeat in their last 5 encounters.

They have managed to secure 34 points at home, scoring 15 and conceding 4 goals. They are ranked as the 5th best home performers in the league this season.

They’ve lost just one game at home heading into this fixture after 15 appearances and are among the teams with the least number of goals conceded at home.

Heart of Lions are unbeaten in their last 5 league games with 4 wins and a draw. The Kpando based have accumulated 38 points after 31 matches and are currently 13th on the table.

They have managed to secure 8 points away from home this season, scoring 9 and conceding 19. They are ranked as the 3rd away least performers.

Heart of Lions head into this fixture after recording their first ever away victory in this campaign against Dreams FC. Defending champions Medeama SC are yet to host Heart of Lions at home in the league after Heart of Lions returning into the top-flight in the 2023/24 season.

Medeama SC goes into the game with quality players like, Kamaradini Mamudu, Derrick Fordjour, Diawisie Taylor, Manuel Mantey, Kofi Asmah, Fatawu Sulemana, Bernardinho Tetteh, Michael Enu, Godknows Dzakpasu, Nurudeen Abdulai, Denis Adoma, Emmanuel Cudjoe, Kelvin Nkrumah and Hamidu Abdul Fatawu all fit and well prepared for the game on Sunday.

Heart of Lions skipper Ebenezer Abban has banged in 9 league goals and will be available for the game with the likes of Christian Boateng, Yaw Danso, Ruben Hennessey, Mustapha Yakubu, Emmanuel Sakyi, Bismarck Anim, Akwasi Duah, Denis Hutor, Abdul Musah, Kwesi Pong and Yusif Afful could all be available for the match.

Nsoatreman FC vs Accra Lions: 15:00GMT: Nsoatre

Nsoatreman FC host Accra Lions in an entertaining Premier League matchday-32 fixture at home on Sunday.

The two teams will go at each other at the Professor Nana Koromansah park in Nsoatre aiming for the maximum points.

Only two points separates the two teams with the visitors lying in 5th place with 47 points while the home side lie just behind in 6th place with 45 points.

Nsoatreman FC have recorded two wins, drawn twice and suffered two 2 defeats in their last 5 league games. The have managed to accumulate 28 points at home, scored 16 and conceded 6 goals.

The Nsoatre lads are unbeaten in their last 5 consecutive home games and are ranked as the 6th least home performers in this campaign.

Accra Lions have recorded 2 wins, 2 draws and suffered 1 defeat in their last 5 league games. The Accra based have secured 47 points after 31 matches and are 5th on the table.

Coach Ibrahim Tanko’s side have managed to accumulate 16 points away from home, scoring 12 and conceding 20 and are the 3rd best away performing club in the league currently. They head into the game with a defeat in their last away league match against Nations FC in Abrankese. Nsoatreman FC have played Accra Lions once at home in the league since gaining promotion into the Premiership in the 2022/23 season with Nsoatreman FC wining 3-0. Nsoatreman FC top scorers Manaf Umar and Stephan Diyou are well prepared and available for the game. Apetorgbor Foster, Mohammed Abdul Rahaman, Collins Kudjoe, Morrison Anokye, Mohammed Issaka, Meider Kwabena, Mohammed Sadat, Philip Ofori, Eric Osei Bonsu, Walid Neymar Fuseini, Richard Acquah, Bortey Acquaye and Osafo Antwi are all fit for selection on Sunday. Accra Lions can rely on quality players like, Mohammed Yahaya, Dominic Amponsah, Daniel Awuni, Blessing Dankwah, Ali Mohammed, Remember Adomako Boateng, Musa Hamzata, Sadat Seidu, David Oduro, Shawkan Mohammed and Issah Hussein.

FC Samartex 1997 vs Bibiani Gold Stars; 15:00GMT, Samreboi

FC Samartex 1996 could be crowned 2023-24 Ghana Premier League champions on Sunday if they beat Bibiani Gold Stars in an epic Western regional derby at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena.

The Timber giants will be installed as the new champions if they win and both Aduana Stars and defending champions Medeama fail to win against Bechem United and Heart of Lions respectively.

Bibiani GoldStars FC will be aiming to be part spoilers as they make the journey to a venue they have thrived in the past.

It promises to be an absorbing contest amid a huge expectations for the home fans who are anxious of winning the Premier League title for the first time in their history and represent Ghana in the 2024-24 CAF Champions League.

FC Samartex 1996 have won 2 and suffered 3 defeats in their last 5 league games. The Timber Giants have accumulated 55 points after 31 matches and are six points clear on top of the table ahead of Aduana FC and defending champions Medeama SC.

Coach Nurudeen Amadu’s side are the best home performing club in the league currently, following 14 wins and 1 defeat in 15 appearances with 42 accumulated points, scoring 30 and conceding 6 in the process.

They beat Bofoakwa Tano 3-0 in their last home game heading into this fixture and are the second club with the most number of goals scored at home.

Bibiani Gold Stars have accumulated 43 points from 31 matches and are 10th on the table, having won 2, drawn 2 and suffered 1 defeat in their last 5 outings.

The Miners have recorded 9 points away from home in this campaign, scoring 6 and conceding 22 goals. Bibiani Gold Stars are ranked as the 4th least away performing club and are winless in their last 3 away games.

It’s a cracker between two high scoring teams in the league.

FC Samartex 1996 have played Bibiani Gold stars once at home in the league after gaining promotion into the Premiership in the 2022/23 season with the Timber Giants losing 0-3 to the Miners.

Evans Osei Wusu and Baba Musa are expected to lead the attack for FC Samartex on Sunday. Emmanuel Keyekeh, Emmanuel Mamah, Emmanuel Adu Siaw, Emmanuel Boakye Owusu, Desmond Gyabeng, Kwesi Ofosu, James Sewornu, Dauda Yussif Seidu, Samuel Tetteh Mensah, Isaac Afful, Michael Efson and Ebenezer Ocran could all be available for the clash on Sunday.

Bibiani Gold Stars talisman Prince Kwabena Owusu will be available for the game on Sunday and hope to extend his 9-goal tally.

The likes of Alex Aso, Vincent Atingah, Emmanuel Appau, Eric Bosomtwi, William Dankyi, Ronald Frimpong, Adraman Yahaya, Gideon Anaba, Frank Amankwa, Appiah McCarthy, Charles Gyamfi, Sadat Mohammed and Mawuli Wayo could all be available for selection.

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