Soccer Intellectuals keeps punching above their weight and is therefore not surprising to see the them grab the headlines on match week 3. The recorded an astonishing away win against Police Ladies in Accra to register their first away win of the season. Mousseiretou Adina-Akpo’s 11th minute goal ensured the team pick all points over the ‘service Ladies. The win has opened up the zonal title race for Hasaacas Ladies who are two points adrift first placed Berry ladies. Yusif Basigi’s side are gradually taking shape and showing glimpses of what they are noted for. An intriguing fixture is bound to unfold as meeting between both sides mostly end in favor of the ‘Hasmal ladies’. The current performance of Soccer Intellectuals could mean a different scenario as they have impressed in the ongoing season. A hat-trick from Milot Abena Pokua and a goal each from Evelyn Badu and Doris Boaduwaa saw Hasaacas Ladies dispatch Soccer Intellectuals in their last meeting.
This season, neither side has been overly potent in front of goal and this fixture presents a real opportunity for Hasaacas Ladies to test themselves against another side pushing for a top 4 finish.
Sea Lions FC v Lady Strikers FC
Lady Strikers will be hoping to pile more misery on Sea Lions as they journey to the Nduom Sports Stadium on match week 4. The ‘Strikers’ won their last game against Immigration Ladies by a goal to nil. Sea Lions FC are a side that is low in confidence after losing their opening 3 games – including a pain-staking loss to Berry Ladies. The team lies bottom of the zonal league table without a point. They lack the technical mojo to turn things around.
Last season, a brace from Elizabeth Owusua and a goal from Theresa Cobbinah ensured the ‘Butweku mma’ emerged winners in the derby and his weekend presents another opportunity for Lady Strikers to redeem themselves as Sea Lions to continue their dominance in this derby.
Police Ladies v Berry Ladies
Berry ladies are the only unbeaten side in the ongoing League and will aim to preserve their winning run this weekend when they take on Police ladies Police Ladies. The Service ladies began the season on a shaky note following a 1-1 draw against Thunder Queens. They followed up with a 1-0 win over Sea Lions in Elmina thanks to a goal from Grace Anima and lost at home last weekend to Soccer Intellectuals. Their last outing was a game where they barely created chances, or made attempts at goal and missing a penalty in the process.
High-flying Berry Ladies are the only undefeated side in the League, so form-wise, the team is intact with a remarkable attack, scoring an impressive eight goals already and conceding four. Coach Mercy Tagoe Quarcoo Nina Norshie will be in charge of midfield duties while top scorer Felicity Asante take up goal scoring duties. Goals from Juanita Aguadze and Sophia Agyarkwa separated the two sides in a similar fashion last season in a 1-1 stalemate at the McDan La Town Park.
A game of two equals is upon us but the performance of Berry ladies thus far makes them the strong favourites for the points.
Thunder Queens FC v Immigration Ladies
Thunder Queens return home this weekend to face Immigration ladies after suffering a narrow loss to Hasaacas Ladies on match day 3 in fiercely contested game. Goalkeeper Rose Teye Baah was in her element as she saved a penalty but could not salvage a point for her side.
Immigration Ladies haver lacked consistency thus far losing two and drawing one. They began the competition with a defeat to Berry Ladies, drew at home with Hasaacas and lost to Lady Strikers. Inexperience is to blame for their unimpressive showing in the league as the blend of young and old players have yet to yield dividend.
Budding star, Elizabeth Oppong and Salma Jai Jabril are expected to be in full flight for the ‘Queens’ while Immigration is also expected to present a solid defence led by Aseye Antwi and Winifred Donkor.
An exciting weekend of football awaits us this weekend in the Women’s Premier League as clubs get ready to battle for honours on match day four. Eight high profile games will come off across eight League centres, beginning from Friday, February 4, 2021 when Northern ladies host city rivals Pearl Pia ladies at the Aliu Mahama stadium in Tamale. The other derrby in the Northern Zone is between Ashtown ladies and rivals Fabulous ladies. Here is the preview for match day four.
Kumasi Sports Academy v Prisons Ladies
KUSA have picked just four points from a possible nine and lie in 5th place in the zonal league log. Coach Anokye Frimpong is desperately in need of points to improve their fortunes in the competition having in mind the challenges a defeat would present to the team. Kumasi Sports Academy lost narrowly to lost Ashtown Ladies on match day 3 with a defensive blunder gifting the away side all the points to dash the hope of clinching a point. Despite the defeat, Sandra Osei Nyarko was in top shape for them.
Perhaps the loss of some key players including goalkeeper Azume Adams to injury is having a bigger impact on the performance of this Prisons ladies squad. Drawing at home on match day 3 places the team at 4th position in the league table with 4 points, an unusual phenomenon, per the teams’ standard.
Matches between the two sides are usually close to call as they shared the spoils in a similar fixture last season. Elshaddai Acheampong scored for Kumasi Sports Academy while Helena Obeng netted for Prisons Ladies in a 1-1 stalemate. On the balance of play, Kumasi Sports Academy seems to have the edge but their porous defense could harm them in this encounter and goalkeeper Kerrie McCarthy must be on red alert to avoid an embarrassing score line.
Northern Ladies v Pearl Pia Ladies
Northern Ladies pulled a massive comeback to pick a point against Prisons ladies in an away game last season after their home defeat on match day two. Northern ladies star player Rahama Jafar was a in red hot form against Prisons ladies as she tormented the defence of the home side in last weekend’s draw. She is expected to light up the Tamale stadium on Friday in the much-anticipated Northern derby. Pearl Pia ladies picked their first win of the season last weekend courtesy a brace from Rashida Shahadu and will now turn attention to the defeating their city rivals for three points and bragging rights. A win for Pearl Pia will give Coach Baba Nuhu a sigh after a disappointing start to the season.
Both teams have 4 points and occupy the 3rdand 4th places in the League log with just one goal separating them and another mouth-watering fixture is brewing and ready to be served at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium on Friday.
Ashtown Ladies v Fabulous Ladies
The Ashanti Regional derby will soak up the headlines in Week 4 of the 2020-21 Premier League season, as Ashtown Ladies and neighbors, Fabulous Ladies renew their rivalry. Ashtown picked up their first win of the season with an inspiring 1-0 win over Kumasi Sports Academy at the Okese Park in Ejisu, where a 76th minute strike from Comfort Baah Nuako sealed victory for the team. That notwithstanding, the team lies 7th on the league log with 3 points. Alex Kamara’s side are now buoyed by that result but have a daunting task against sworn rivals Fabulous Ladies. The latter have just one point from their last 3 Premier League outings and head into the oldest regional derby, with loads of issues. Coach Nana Atuahene and his side need a rebound of their own after going down meekly to Ampem Darkoa ladies on match day 2. The team however lies bottom of the league log and will need a win to boost their survival. It will Grace Acheampong of Ashtown Ladies will battle her national team mate Alice Kusi of Fabulous Ladies in this fixture which ended goalless.
This looks like a battle of equals but Ashtown ladies recent surge in form swings the tie slightly in their favour.
Ampem Darkoa Ladies v Supreme Ladies
Ampem Darkoa will be feeling fairly confident having passed a stern test in Kumasi last week against Fabulous Ladies on Match day 3. A first half goal from Tracy Twum guaranteed the Techiman-based side the needed win and propelled them to the apex of the Zonal league log with 7 points. Heading into week 4, the team must brace themselves for a tougher test a Sandra Owusu Ansah’s Supreme Ladies.
Supreme Ladies however recorded their first slipped away last Saturday in Tamale by losing 2-0 to a struggling Pearl Pia Ladies side. The loss drops them to 2nd place on the zonal league log with 6 points.
Historically this is a fixture that has always produced an avalanche of goals. Last season, 8 goals were recorded when the two teams met with Ophelia Serwaa Amponsah netting a hat-trick. Akomaa Amankwa also grabbed a brace as Tracy Twum and Victoria Osei scored a goal each. Nancy Amoh pulled one back for Supreme Ladies.
Medeama SC will appear before the GFA Disciplinary Committee at its next sitting for breaching the GFA Covid-19 Matchday protocols.
In a letter sent to the club after their Week 12 game against Hearts of Oak at the Akoon park in Tarkwa, the GFA has informed Medeama SC that till the Disciplinary Committee determines their case, all home matches of the Club should be played behind closed doors.
As such only Ten (10) Management Members of Medeama SC will be allowed at the stadium and Ten (10) Management Members for Away clubs during matches at Tarkwa Akoon park.
Below are the immediate actions taken by the GFA after Medeama’s breach of the Covid 19 protocols:
1. The GFA condemns, without any reservations, the violations of the GFA Matchday Protocols – Lack of Social Distancing, Number of Spectators etc – that took place at the Akoon Park, Tarkwa.
2. That Medeama SC, the home club, is immediately referred to the Disciplinary Committee concerning the breaches of the provisions of the approved GFA Matchday Protocols. The Disciplinary Committee has been tasked to sit on this matter expeditiously.
3. That until the case is fully determined, Medeama SC shall play their Home matches behind Closed Doors at the Akoon Park, Tarkwa.
4. That in playing behind Closed Doors at the Akoon Park, Tarkwa, only Ten (10) Management Members of Medeama SC will be allowed at the stadium and Ten (10) Management Members for Away clubs. Only Ten (10) media persons shall be allowed (to be accredited by the GFA).No other person in attendance.
5. That further actions may be taken should there be any further violations of the GFA Matchday Protocols.
6. That all other clubs are to take note and comply strictly with the GFA Matchday Protocols.
The GFA wishes to sound a note of caution to all members (especially Premier League clubs, Division One League clubs, Women’s Premier League clubs, lower league clubs) and stakeholders that the Association will not hesitate to take action(s) to ensure strict adherence to the national COVID-19 Protocols as well as its approved GFA Matchday Protocols.
The GFA further assured all Ghanaians that the Association will continue to support the national fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The Association has urged all clubs to continue with the education of all their supporters and the public on the COVID-19 protocols. The Association will continue its engagements with all relevant stakeholders for the safety of all. Let us all be good Ambassadors.
Match Officials for Matchweek thirteen of the Ghana Premier League have been announced.
Below are the officials for Matchweek 13:
DATE: Saturday, February 6, 2021 – 3pm MATCH: Inter Allies vs Ebusua Dwarfs (LIVE ON STARTIMES) VENUE: Accra Sports Stadium REFEREE: Patrick Okyere ASSISTANTS: Mohammed Tijani & Thomas Ngmindieye 4TH REFEREE: Eric Owusu Prempeh MATCH COMMISSIONER: Adam Munkaila VENUE MEDIA OFFICER: Frederick Gyan Mante
DATE: Sunday, February 7, 2021 – 3pm MATCH: Ashgold vs Liberty Professionals VENUE: Len Clay Stadium, Obuasi REFEREE: Bashiru Dauda ASSISTANTS: Emmanuel Allou Tebson & Isaac Odoom 4TH REFEREE: Ali Musah MATCH COMMISSIONER: Augustine Asante VENUE MEDIA OFFICER: Nuhu Adams GFA CAMERAMAN: Michael Wotodzor
DATE: Sunday, February 7, 2021 – 3pm MATCH: Aduana Stars vs WAFA VENUE: Nana Agyeman Badu I park REFEREE: Joshua Samadji ASSISTANTS: Paul Atimaka & Peter Dawsa 4TH REFEREE: Gabriel Opoku Arhin MATCH COMMISSIONER: Stephen Kpen VENUE MEDIA OFFICER: Vincent Ampaabeng GFA CAMERAMAN: Abdul Samed
DATE: Saturday, February 6, 2021 – 3pm MATCH: Bechem United vs Great Olympics VENUE: Nana Fosu Gyeabour park, Bechem REFEREE: Philip Atta Forson ASSISTANTS: Gilbert Adom Mensah & Richard Appiah 4TH REFEREE: Alfaa Ba-Adey MATCH COMMISSIONER: A.S. Seidu VENUE MEDIA OFFICER: Prince Agyemang GFA CAMERAMAN: Paul Egbenya
DATE: Sunday, February , 2021 – 3pm MATCH: Karela vs Asante Kotoko (LIVE ON STARTIMES) VENUE: CAM par, Anyinase REFEREE: Mohammed Misbaou ASSISTANTS: Patrick Papala & Emmanuel Dei 4TH REFEREE: Wiseman Ghansah MATCH COMMISSIONER: Nana Boamah Darko VENUE MEDIA OFFICER: Stephen Apaka Quaicoe
DATE: Sunday, February 7, 2021 – 3pm MATCH: Eleven Wonders vs Dreams VENUE: Techiman park REFEREE: Julian Nunoo ASSISTANTS: Kofi Andoh-Kyei & Kofi Nyarko Bekae 4TH REFEREE: Maxwell Hanson MATCH COMMISSIONER: E.K Asante VENUE MEDIA OFFICER: Obed Anane Frimpong GFA CAMERAMAN: Afriyie Akuffo King (Kofi Sika)
DATE: Sunday, February 7, 2021 – 6pm MATCH: Hearts of Oak vs Legon Cities (LIVE ON STARTIMES) VENUE: Accra Sports Stadium REFEREE: Joseph Padi Kenny ASSISTANTS: Kwasi Acheampong Brobbey & Roland Addy 4TH REFEREE: Benjamin Kwame Sefah MATCH COMMISSIONER: Adjiri Barnor VENUE MEDIA OFFICER: Raymond Ackumey
DATE: Monday, February 8, 2021 – 6pm MATCH: Elmina Sharks vs Berekum Chelsea (LIVE ON STARTIMES) VENUE: Nduom Stadium, Elmina REFEREE: Emmanuel Otoo ASSISTANTS: Emmanuel Dolagbanu & Isaac Opoku Antwi 4TH REFEREE: Abdul Latif Qadir MATCH COMMISSIONER: William Gidiglo VENUE MEDIA OFFICER: Jonathan Nelson Ackon
DATE: Tuesday, February 9, 2021 MATCH: King Faisal vs Medeama VENUE: Techiman REFEREE: Maxwell Owusu ASSISTANTS: Alex Osam & Halilu Alhassan 4TH REFEREE: Jones Akubiem MATCH COMMISSIONER: James Mornah VENUE MEDIA OFFICER: Obed Anane Frimpong GFA CAMERAMAN: Isaac Nyarko
Medeama SC mercurial midfielder Justice Blay was adjudged man of the match when they secured a slim 1-0 win over Hearts of Oak at the Tarkwa Akoon Park on Thursday.
Blay grabbed the only goal in the tricky fixture to hand the Yellow and Mauves all three points on the afternoon.
He tapped in a cross from Agyenim Boateng in the 50th minute following a free-kick to ensure Medeama make it three straight home victories.
Ahead of the game, Blay was optimistic of beating the Phobians and insisted that his side is solid in midfield than Kosta Papic’s charges.
And aside his match-winning goal, Blay bossed the midfield with his extraordinary performances.
The victory takes Medeama to the 9th position from 12th as they leapfrog three teams on the league standings.
Legon Cities held league leaders Karela United to a drab goalless draw at the Accra Sports Stadium on matchday 12 of the Ghana Premier League.
After back to back wins against Ashantigold and Inter Allies, the Accra based club were hoping to extend their winning streak to three games.
However, the Anyinase boys were a tough nut to crack for the big spenders.
Legon Cities had a penalty claim in the 25th minute waved away after a Michael Ampadu’s strike looked to have hit the hand of a Karela defender.
Jonah Attuquaye’s effort from long range went inches off the post with five minutes left for half time.
Umar Bashiru could have given the visitors the lead but his strike was not enough to trouble Legon Cities.
Moments later Diawise Taylor’s goal-bound effort was blocked by Vincent Adu Gyamfi.
The final 15 minutes failed to produce any goal leaving Legon Cities on a run of three games without defeat, their long streak without dropping a point.
Karela remain top of the league despite dropping two points.
The Ghana Football Association wishes to announce to the general public that two Premier League matches have been postponed.
This is due to Asante Kotoko’s Total CAF Confederation cup matches against Entente Setif.
The Ghanaian giants will play the Algerian side on Sunday, 14 February 2021 in Accra before they travel to Setif for the 2nd leg one week later.
As a result, the match between Asante Kotoko and rivals Hearts of Oak as well as King Faisal versus Asante Kotoko have been rescheduled.
Asante Kotoko’s match day 14 tie against Hearts of Oak will now come off on Sunday, February 28, 2021 at the Accra sports stadium. While the match day 15 contest against King Faisal take place on Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at the Ohene Ameyaw park in Techiman.
All stakeholders are to take note of the changes and act accordingly.
Medeama SC needed a vital 1-0 victory against Hearts of Oak on Thursday at the Akoon Park to return to winning ways after a disappointing weekend.
The Yellow and Mauves make it three straight victories at home making the Phobians record back-to-back defeats for the first time this season in the premiership.
Samuel Boadu altered his squad that lost 2-0 to Karela United Fc last Sunday with three changes to face the Phobians.
First choice goalkeeper Eric Ofori Antwi returned from illness to man the goalposts displacing Frank Boateng who has been keeping in the last three games.
Eric Kwakwa was the preference in midfield to Richard Boadu to form the partnership with Justice Blay and Rashid Nortey.
Baba Musa Abdulai replaced the suspended Daniel Egyin in central defence.
Kosta Papic on the other hand made three alterations to the team that were beaten 2-0 by Great Olympics in Accra last Saturday in the Mantse Derby.
Richard Attah returned to the goalposts for Hearts of Oak since losing the position to Richmond Ayi after match day 5.
Sumaila Larry Ibrahim and Kojo Obeng Jnr replaced captain Abdul Fatawu Mohammed and Patrick Razak respectively.
The first half looked virtually balanced with both lacking the cutting edge to create scoring opportunities.
The clearest of chances fell the Medeama’s way but Abass Mohammed failed to make good use of it.
Blay netted the only goal of the game to hand all maximum points to the Yellow and Mauves in the 50th minute from close range.
He tapped in a cross from Agyenim Boateng following a free-kick.
Medeama move from the 12th to the 9th position on the league standings whilst Hearts of Oak sink to the 10th place.
This is meant to be a delightful for Medeama President Moses Armah Parker whose birthday also fell on Thursday.
