Sunday, May 24, 2009

Matchday Pass: Ghana

In case you missed Friday's previews of today's GPL games, here they are again.


Week 20

Today
Kick off: 1500 GMT (subject to change)


Hearts - Tema Youth
Venue: Ohene Djan Stadium, Accra

A quite familiar scenario is expected for this game. Apart from the first round victory over the Tema side and a sprinkling of others, Youth have proven to be continual bogeys for the league leaders. They may sit pretty at the top but Hearts know they need every point now.

Lions - RTU
Venue: Kpando Park, Kpando

Fourth-placed Lions host RTU in what should be a great game. These two teams have a formidable record at their traditional grounds. Plus with RTU needing to widen the gap between relegation and themselves, I would be keeping an eye out for this one.

Arsenals - Wa All Stars
Venue: Golden City Park, Berekum

To face second-placed Wa All Stars at your home, where you haven't lost for so long - over two seasons - is good enough for any of your football team's fans. This would be my pick of the pile for this week, and then this one too...

XI Wise - Kotoko
Venue: Essipong stadium, Sekondi

...Yep, this one. For Kotoko, they wouldn't get a better chance than this to avenge defeat. The woes of the reds have been reported all this month and it looks like things are getting worse.

The Sylvester Asare-Owusu management team has been shown the Amakom door, a new one has come, Otumfuo is not happy, the fans are raving mad...

As it is, Wise are fighting for a Champions league place and Kotoko would have it all to do - away from home.

Hearts - Tema Youth
XI Wise - Kotoko
Lions - RTU
Arsenals - All Stars
Kessben - Chelsea
All Blacks - Mirren
Faisal - Liberty
AshGold - Hasaacas


Berekum Chelsea - Kessben
Venue: Coronation Park, Sunyani

To be played in the same region as the Arsenals - All Stars game, this should be less media-frenzied. Middle-placed Kessben and Chelsea (sixth), that should be decent.

AshGold - Hasaacas
Venue: Len Clay stadium, Obuasi

With a somewhat revived AshGold hosting Hasaacas, the Miners seek another victory primarily to lift them out of the bottom. Important, too, is that psychological boost. Normally satisfied with a mid-table finish, this team looks very much like a Newcastle United (Ghana version) at the moment. Nothing seems to be working. Hasaacas are not that happy, either. Quite simply, they are also threatened.

All Blacks - Mirren
Venue: Swedru Park, Swedru

Another not-too-hot game but essential for both teams to take the three points. Especially for Mirren, who have been seeing the world through the eyes of relegation for so long. They need that miracle. Would All Blacks give in? At home? Not likely.

King Faisal - Liberty
Venue: Baba Yara stadium, Kumasi

King Faisal will welcome Liberty Professionals to Kumasi but with the latter expected to be more aggressive. Liberty lie 12th on the log. That, people, is a shock. Some may say it's testimony to how our football is growing. But still...well, Faisal are having a good season and the top four is in their sights, too.

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