FCPPL review: 7 things learned from Matchday 24

Matchday 24 recorded 15 with Ashantigold's lead at the top maintained despite their defeat at the hands of Kotoko. Hearts of Oak suffered their second successive away defeat after falling to a late goal to New Edubiase. What are the key insights from this matchday?

WAFA ‘slip’ in Dansoman
The Barcelona of Ghana football could not cope with the bad nature of the pitch at Dansoman. The Sogakope’s sides sleek football has been aided by their astro turf at their base. During their game against Liberty, the youngsters of WAFA took turns to slip on the ‘potato’ field at Dansoman. As Joy Sports commentator Benedict Owusu put it,"The WAFA youngsters could not go five minutes without falling." The pitch at the Carl Reindorf has come under scrutiny after Medeama coach Tom Strand complained about the pitch last week. The bad nature of pitches across the country could be a tangible reason for WAFA’s poor away performance. Our crave for eye catching soccer will only be met if we improve the quality of pitches in the country.

Old Guards
On Wednesday, the old board and management members of Accra Hearts followed the team to Cape Coast to help the team record one of the standout results of the league. This act was replicated by New Edubiase and Asante Kotoko also had their board and management getting involved in their fixtures against Hearts of Oak and Ashantigold respectively this weekend. Sylvester Owusu Asare prior to Kotoko’s game, asked the Kotoko fans to rally behind the team and they duly obliged by trooping to the stadium in their numbers. And guess what? Both teams won. Could these members be performing some magic behind the scenes? As far as their presence provides wins for these clubs, their inclusion will always be welcome.

Fatau Dauda has not lost it
Black Stars keeper Fatau Dauda has been the subject of much criticism for his constant inclusion in the Black Stars. The keeper’s position at his club side Ashantigold had been under threat at the beginning of the season after Robert Dabo started in most games. But on the big stage and in the big game, Coach Bashiru Hayford handed the Ghanaian international a starting berth and Fatau Dauda proved his worth once again. With a goal down, Ashantigold threw more bodies in front leaving gaps at the back. Kotoko had chances to put the game beyond doubt but credit to Fatau who performed four superb saves to keep the scoreline at one. Judging by the quality of saves, Fatau has not lost any bit of his goalkeeping magic.

No Draws:
Matchday 24 produced no draws. Eight games, eight victories and unsurprisingly, eight home victories. As the league draws to a close, teams are doing everything in their power to win their home games as picking points away are very difficult. Given that 18 away wins have been recorded all season, teams in their interest will strive to do the “business” at home. Out of the 15 goals scored this matchday, only three were scored by away teams which goes to prove how teams have struggled to make impacts on the road.

Kings of one goal confirmed
Aduana won the eleventh home game of the season equaling Chelsea’s best home record but the most interesting stat to note about the Dormaa side is the fact that they have won nine out of these eleven games by a single goal. Much more impressive has been the fact that they have conceded only one goal at home all season. This goal was scored by Berekum Chelsea. By this, Aduana are yet to concede a goal from a team outside the Brong Ahafo region at home this season.Aduana have scored 13 goals at home this season.

King of Assists:
Kumasi Asante Kotoko full back/left winger Eric Donkor is undoubtedly the king of assists this season. Donkor provided the all-important cross for Sarfo Gyamfi to head home the winner against Ashantigold increasing his assists tally to eight. Donkor has been one of the brightest spots in the Kotoko set up in a disappointing campaign for the Porcupines. He was impressive all match providing width for his side as well as helping Amos Frimpong defensively. Coincidentally, the player closest on his heels for the assist accolade is Fredick Yamoah who also plays on the left wing for Inter Allies.

Disappointing B.A United:
Nathaniel Asamoah’s sixteenth goal of the season broke his personal best of 12 goals in a season as he moved clear of his closest rival Kofi Owusu. But more critically, this goal meant he has scored more goals than the total number of goals scored by B.A United. The Sunyani side have endured a torrid spell in the Premier League and look all but set to be relegated. 15 goals all season, one point away from home all season is not an impressive stat neither is it Premiership status. Provided no magic occurs, the Brong Ahafo contingent in the league will be reduced.

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Story by Ghana/Joy Sports/Kweku Arhin