Match day two of the Ghana Premier League (GPL) kicks off today, with football fans filled with high expectations and eager to see what their teams would offer over the weekend.
The match day one fixtures of the season were filled with drama and surprises, as the league heavyweights showed their class, with the newly promoted sides proving they are capable of competing.
With nine matches played in the match day one fixtures of the season, there were no reported cases of violence as fans, players, management and officials maintained a high standard of professionalism.
Building from the results from last week, teams that lost their games would be eager to bounce back and those who won will be willing to improve on their performances.
Officiating officials should maintain the standards they showed in the match day one games, and even look to improve upon it.
Below are match day two previews of the Ghana Premier League;
Medeama welcome Vision FC
Former GPL league champions, Medeama SC, welcome Vision FC to the Tarkwa and Aboso stadium today.
Medeama SC won on match day one by 2 goals to nil away to Young Apostles. Medeama started their season on a good note and would be looking forward to win again this weekend. After winning the league three seasons ago, Medeama were not able to defend their title.
Visions FC on the other hand drew on match day 1 at home against Samartex. Although Vision FC weren’t impressive in their first game, Coach Nana Agyemang and his boys would be looking forward to please their fans when they travel away to Medeama.
Meetings between these two teams have resulted in some shocking results. Last season’s meeting between these teams was neutral as both teams won at home.
Both teams would have a point to prove and Medeama would be looking forward to repeating last season home success.
Samartex host Karela
Samartex looks forward to clinching their first win of the season when they host Karela on match day 2 of the Ghana Premier League (GPL).
Former Champions Samartex weren’t able to defend their title in the subsequent season. Samartex did not start the season well, although they played away. With this match being played at home, they would be looking forward to give the fans the results they want.
Karela defeated Aduana with a 1-0 score line at home. The win against Aduana would boost their confidence going away to face Samartex.
Samartex and Karela have met six times with Samartex winning 3, Karela winning 2, and 1 match ended in draw. It a close encounter and nothing is assured as team that impresses could win.
Although Karela were good in their previous encounter, there were some defensive lapses that would go against them if not corrected.
Nations travel to Aduana
Nations travel to Dormaa to face Aduana in match day 2 of the Ghana Premier League. Coming back from a goal down to win against Swedru All Blacks in match day 1, Nations would be looking forward to repeat the dose against Aduana, who didn’t start the season well.
Aduana lost away against Karela and going into this match, they won’t be settling for anything less than a win. The fans of Aduana would also create an atmosphere that would keep the team going. Nations were victims of an early goal and so Aduana could capitalise on it to push Nations in the first half.
Dreams, Hearts faceoff in Tema
League heavyweight Heart of Oak drew against newly promoted side Hohoe United at the Accra sports stadium on the opening match of the GPL. Coach Dramani and his squad would be eager to right the wrong when they face Dreams at Tema.
Dreams lost to Kpando Hearts of Lions in match day 1. Although Dreams were the better team in that match, Lions were more clinical in the face of goal.
The lone goal of the match came in the first half when Lions were awarded a penalty, in which the skipper converted beautifully.
The match between the defending champions Bibiani Gold Stars and Asante Kotoko has been postponed as the later would be hosting Kwara United in the opening group match of the CAF Confederation Cup.
By Jesse Otoo
