The Ghana Premier League is gradually heading into the midway point.
After the last round of matches of 2024, Kotoko and Hearts of Oak can afford to smile, ending the year with aplomb but still remain some points behind league leaders Heart of Lions.
3Sports looks at five talking points from matchday 15 of the Ghana Premier League.
Kotoko tactical adaptability yielding results
It took some time for Kotoko players to grasp coach Prosper Ogum’s three-back system.
However, the players look settled and more at home now.
One thing that has been the main standout for Kotoko, who lost four times in the league from October 30 to November 11, has been the understanding of principles.
Against GoldStars on Friday, even without the inclusion of main forward, Albert Amoah, Kotoko ran out comfortable victors.
The system at Kotoko (3-4-3), seems to suit the strength of the players, and when the manager decides to go with a (4-3-3) or (4-2-3-1), the players still deliver.
At the moment, what has brought Kotoko to three points off leaders Heart of Lions is a working system.
With four victories on the trot, winning the league will definitely be one, if not the main, new year resolution for Kotoko.
Strength in-depth carries Hearts of Oak over the line.
Hearts of Oak trailed 2-1 against Accra Lions on Sunday with 15 minutes to the end of the game.
The Phobians looked out of sort without a forthcoming response.
But just as it happened on matchday 9 and 10, Mawuli Wayo came off the bench to score for Hearts of Oak.
Wayo’s quick-fire brace increased his season’s goal tally to four and turned the game in Hearts’ favour.
The substitution proved that having a strong bench is a must in the league, and it is an avenue Aboubakar Ouattara will hope to exploit more as the season wears on.
Phase 1 complete for league leaders Heart of Lions
The first phase of Heart of Lions’ ambitious title push would have been to top the league at Christmas and they’ve thus done so.
Not only have they topped the league at Christmas, Lions have finished the year at the top of the Ghana Premier League.
Once again, from being in the drop zone 12 months ago to challenging for the league, Lions owe their on-field success to coach Bashir Hayford and his technical team.
Bashir Hayford’s technical know-how is the driving force for Lions.
Once again, in their 1-0 win over Young Apostles on Boxing Day, the imprint of the coach was evident.
With 30 points after 15 matches, Lions are primed to finish the first round as league leaders.
Teams who tend to stay top after Christmas have a high chance of winning the league, as proven in the past.
Lions will hope their title pursuit goes through flawless transitions to claim the crown.
Aduana FC up and running
Aduana finally won a league game for the first time in a little over four weeks.
The Ogya Boys beat Legon Cities 1-0 on Boxing Day.
Although new head coach Cioba Aristica watched on and steered Aduana to victory from the stands, the coach will be thrilled with his side’s display.
After his first game back at the club ended in a disappointing goalless draw against struggling Accra Lions, the coach will be delighted with what he saw.
The foundations are definitely being laid by the coach. Their third win of the season takes them up to 11th as they steadily climb up the table.
New coach, same old Samartex
Samartex have looked off colour this season.
On Sunday, the defending champions dropped two points at home against Nations FC.
Last season, both sides went neck-and-neck for the league title for a greater part of the season.
Things, however, look entirely different this campaign. Nations still look in the mix for the league while Samartex’s dismissal of league-winning coach Nurudeen Amadu underscores their issues.
With 18 points from 15 games, Samartex lie 9th, hoping to improve their performances and results in 2025.
The post Five talking points from matchday 15 of 2024/25 Ghana Premier League first appeared on 3News.
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