GPL Week 8 Preview: The Four Key Fixtures To Watch

ELMINA SHARKS VS MEDEAMA - NDOUM STADIUM
It’s third versus second. After a low profile starts to the season, things are looking up for Elmina Sharks. The Sharks are unbeaten in their last four matches and managed to beat Hearts of Oak by 2-1 at the Cape Coast Stadium last weekend. They are now third on the league table with an 11 point total from six games.

In midweek, the Sharks welcome second place Medeama at the Ndoum Stadium in a bid to leapfrog their opponents. Medeama has made a fist of a meaningful challenge for the league title after a 1-0 win over Inter Allies moved them to level on point with league leaders Ashantigold on 13 points.

Both teams have lost just once this season and have an equal number of goals. The yellow and Mauve have managed four points in their last two away fixtures whiles Elmina sharks are yet to taste defeat at the Ndoum stadium. Coach Ben Acheampong performance at home suggest his men will go all out for maximum point whiles keeping it tight at the back.

The sharks have beaten Medeama on two occasions at home, one in the league and the other one in a league cup. It’s a tricky away fixture for Coach Samuel Boadu who has got his side playing some great football this season. They need a win to keep pace with Ashgold but a point could be well deserving.

LIBERTY PROFESSIONAL VS DREAMS - SOGAKOPE - LIVE ON TV

Looks like the sentiments of Liberty Professionals turning the corner, came a bit too early after the Scientific Soccer lads felled to a disappointing 2-1 defeat at Dwarfs. Despite enjoying the best spell that produced a clutch of winning opportunities, Coach Reginald Boateng’s side failed to convert their dominance into more goals. Liberty, are back in the relegation zone from 12^th position on matchday six into 15^th.

This Thursday, the Scientific Soccer lads host Dreams FC on a neutral ground at Sogakope. The Dawu-based club has endured some frustrating results this season including an away defeat to Bechem United and a goalless at home to Karela United. Dreams are in the fifth position on the back of a one nil victory over Asante Kotoko and are raring to go against Liberty Professional.

Coach Karim Zito’s side are yet to win away from home, but playing on a neutral ground could be a source of motivation. Defensively, they’re a more disciplined side haven conceded four goals to their opponents’ eight. Dreams, however, will need to improve on their five goals as Liberty professionals have done one better in an attack.

The Scientific Soccer lads may have lost in their last game but their performance gives cause for optimism ahead of this fixture, as victory will lift them up from the drop and a point below Dream FC who have 11 points.

WAFA VS ASHANTIGOLD - SOGAKOPE - LIVE ON TV
WAFA. What ails them?
The Sogakope boys have lost all four of their last league matches and sit 13th on the league rung, after amassing seven points. One will be going too far to say they’ve reached crisis level but WAFA needs to arrest their current slide.

Despite boasting great attacking talents with eight goals, their defensive deficiencies have been more pressing. Last season’s runners-up have leaked seven goals in their last four games whiles scoring two; pushing them further away from the chasing pack. On Wednesday they play at home to league leaders Ashantigold, a must win for the visitors.

The miners had a breather during the weekend owing to Aduana Stars continental engagement and will approach this game with a degree of comfort after their first league defeat to Liberty Professionals. Ashantigold’s ability to pull off results when it matters most has been a huge part of their narrative this season, as a significant number of their goals and victories have come during the second period of games.

Coach C.K Akoonor’s charges still top the league table with 13 points on a level with Medeama and will relish the opportunity to play a WAFA side so low on confidence.

KARELA VS HEARTS OF OAK - ANYINIASE CAM PARK

Karela United are making up for their early stutters which saw them pick up just a point from their first three games. Fans of the Anyiniase-based side have seen an upturn in performance and results in their last four fixtures. Victories over Ebusua Dwarfs and Berekum Chelsea at home, plus a draw at Dawu and a hard-earned win at Wa have ensured Coach John Smith’s side move to fourth on the league table. They’ve been the Surprise package so far this season.

On Wednesday, they play Accra Hearts of Oak at the Anyiniase Cam Park and will look to continue their winning run. Hearts of Oak are as good as their last game. The Phobians have been extremely frustrating and occasionally excellent this season. They lost their last home match 2-1 against an unfancied Elmina Sharks team.

Hearts are losing grounds in the title race as they head into this fixture in the sixth position with 10 points. The Phobians have won one and lost one of their two away matches but will need a win to close the gap on their opponents. Coach Wellington’s job is on the line now and will not be in the dugout this time.

Hearts have been compromised by moments of defensive weakness as they’ve conceded 10 goals compared to their opponents three. Karela United will look to add to Hearts of Oak’s misery as a win will push them further up the table.