betPawa Premier League: Players making impact (2)

As the 2023/24 Ghana Premier League season crosses its one-third mark, the footballing landscape has witnessed remarkable displays from standout players who are shaping the course of their respective teams.

 On any given match day, about 360 players are given equal chances to line up for their teams in either the starting XI or from the reserves bench. However, these standout players continue to redefine the narrative, treating fans to moments of brilliance and injecting an unpredictable element into the competition.  

In the second part of our comprehensive two-part feature, we continue to shine the spotlight on the top performers who have left an indelible mark on the league after the first 10 matches.

Maccarthy's free-kick mastery

Appiah Maccarthy, the midfield maestro for Bibiani Gold Stars, has hit a rich vein of form at a crucial juncture in the season. With three goals from free kicks, He stands as the unrivalled leader in set-piece goals, making his mark as the player with the most set-piece goals in the competition. 

So far, the competition has recorded six free-kick goals with the most being scored by Maccarthy, who joined Gold Stars in the 2022/23 season from AshantiGold. 

After MatchDay 10, the midfielder had made six appearances for GoldStars and his impact has been vital for the Bibiani-based side.

Mohammed's defensive prowess

Ali Mohammed, a centre-back powerhouse, made a seamless transition from Tamale City to Accra Lions, proving to be a defensive force with two goals to his name. His heroics include two Player of the Match awards, with a decisive last-minute goal propelling Accra Lions to a 2-1 victory against Karela United on MatchDay 9. 

Mohammed's partnership with Samuel Gyimah has solidified the Lions' defence, steering the team through four consecutive games without a loss since MatchDay 7.

Stephen Amankona is currently the top scorer for Berekum Chelsea having scored five goals in nine games for his side. 

Returning to Chelsea after an unsuccessful stint with Asante Kotoko in the 2021/22 season, Amankona's contributions include a crucial away win against defending champions Medeama SC on November 12, 2023.

Emmanuel Keyekeh has scored three goals for FC Samartex this season, including a significant strike from a free-kick against former club Asante Kotoko on November 11 at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena. It is among six goals scored from free kicks in the league after MatchDay 10. 

The experienced midfielder joined FC Samartex after parting ways with Kotoko but previously had a great moment with Karela United at their former base in Ainyinase.
 

FC Samartex remains unbeaten at home, and Keyekeh's midfield mastery has been instrumental in their commendable performances of the Samreboi-based team.

Teen prodigy shines

Teenager Frank Antwi has made a dazzling entrance into the Premier League, scoring three goals in eight matches for Legon Cities. 

The 19-year-old attacking midfielder, who started the season with Nations FC, has demonstrated his quality and impact on the topflight league after a few league games for Cities. 

Ebenezer Abban is making his Premier League debut as the captain of the returnees Kpando Heart of Lions and has been a significant contributor despite the team's struggles so far. 

Even though Lions are struggling to find the back of the net and are without a win in the league, the centre-back has scored two goals for the club after MatchDay 10. 

Significantly, his goals came in away fixtures against Real Tamale United and Bibiani GoldStars, with both matches ending in 2-2 draws.

Okrah back in charge

Augustine Okrah, after a season with Tanzanian side Azam, is back at Bechem United after scoring 14 goals in the 2021/22 season. 

After 10 matches this season, the striker had scored five goals and he is currently the top scorer for the 'Hunters', taking over from where he left off in the 2021/22 season.

Evans Adomako Wiredu has been a standout performer for Karela United with four goals in the first 10 matches. Despite the team's struggle to secure wins after relocating from Aiyinase to Tamale, Adomako Wiredu has been a consistent offensive threat.

The 26--year-old forward joined Karela United last season from Asante Kotoko where he played on loan before the deal was made permanent ahead of the 2023/24 season  

Dauda's shows leadership 

Winger Saaka Dauda has been a revelation for Bofoakwa Tano, scoring five goals and leading the charts for the premiership returnees. As captain, Dauda's leadership qualities have played a pivotal role in Bofoakwa's impressive return to the top flight after 16 years in the lower-tier league.

Bofoakwa are struggling to sustain their impactful start to the campaign and will look to Dauda’s leadership and goals to keep them in the top flight this season.