Emmanuel Mamah (left) is joined by his teammates to celebrate his winning goal last Saturday

FC Samartex win Champion of Champions Cup, start league title defence Sunday

Beatrice Laryea Sports News Sep - 02 - 2024 , 12:00

FC Samartex 1996 solidified their reputation as Ghana's premier football team with a thrilling 1-0 victory over Nsoatreman FC last Saturday.

The encounter, held at the electrifying T&A Stadium in Tarkwa, saw the Timber Giants clinch the Champion of Champions Cup, thanks to Emmanuel Mamah’s decisive header in the 79th minute.

This triumph continues their remarkable journey following their first Premier League title, secured just three months ago.

The atmosphere was charged at the refurbished arena, with both teams displaying their quality in a high-octane performance that delighted the packed crowd.

Despite numerous attacking efforts from both sides, including several missed opportunities, Nsoatreman FC goalkeeper Daniel Afadzu was in exceptional form, making several heart-stopping saves.

As the game neared its climax, Mamah made his presence felt by perfectly timing his leap to meet a well-delivered free kick from Isaac Afful.

His powerful header ensured that FC Samartex emerged victorious, sealing their place as the top team in Ghanaian football.

The Champion of Champions Cup, an annual fixture between the Premier League winners and the MTN FA Cup holders, also served as a curtain raiser for the upcoming 2024-25 Ghana Premier League season.

FC Samartex will begin their title defence against Dreams FC at the Tuba Astro Turf Park on Friday, September 6.

The trophy presentation was carried out by the Member of Parliament for Tarkwa-Nsuaem, George Mireku Duker, alongside GFA Vice-President Mark Addo, who handed over the cup to FC Samartex’s captain, Ebenezer Acquah, amidst jubilant celebrations.

In a curtain raiser, newly promoted Premier League side Basake Holy Stars triumphed over Medeama SC in the Apinto Cup. After a gripping 1-1 draw in regular time, Basake Holy Stars emerged victorious 5-4 in a penalty shootout.

Francis Oteng had given the visitors the lead in the first half, but Diawise Taylor equalised for Medeama in the second half.

...Start league title defence Sunday

The Ghana Premier League kicks off in electrifying fashion Friday as defending champions FC Samartex 1996 #embark on their quest to retain their crown, facing Dreams FC in a tantalising away fixture at the Tuba AstroTurf Park near Bortianor.

For Samartex, the journey begins with a chance to banish the ghosts of last season’s disappointing away form. Having triumphed in the Champion of Champions Cup with a narrow 1-0 victory over Nsoateman FC last Saturday, the Samreboi-based outfit are eager to build on their success and start their league campaign with a bang.

With a significantly bolstered squad, including the likes of Baba Kushibo, Kofi Agbesimah, and Isaac Baffoe, Samartex are set to assert their dominance early in the season.

Dreams FC, although stepping onto the pitch with a less extensive transfer spree, are poised to make a mark. Strategic acquisitions like Rocky Dwamena from Asante Kotoko and Yaro Isaac from Tamale City are expected to bolster their lineup and make Tuba AstroTurf Park a fortress.

Dreams FC’s aspiration is to challenge for the Premier League title, and a strong performance against the champions could set the tone for their campaign.

As the season kicks off, the spotlight also shines on Hearts of Oak, who have been fine-tuning their squad during a Togo-based preseason.

With high-profile signings such as Asamoah Boateng Afriyie and Yahaya Adraman, the Phobians are determined to reclaim the Premier League crown they last held in 2015.

Their opener against debutants Basake Holy Stars at the Accra Sports Stadium will be a crucial test of their championship credentials.

Meanwhile, Asante Kotoko, under the watchful eye of Coach Prosper Narteh Ogum, will be eager to rebound from a lacklustre previous season.

Their opening fixture against Karela United is pivotal as they aim to re-establish themselves as serious contenders.

In additional fixtures, Aduana FC will welcome Kpando Heart of Lions at the Nana Agyemang Badu II Park, Bibiani GoldStars face off with Legon Cities at the DUN’s Park, and Medeama SC will play their first competitive match at the newly refurbished T&A Park against Accra Lions.

Nations FC will also challenge Bechem United at the Kwame Kyei Sports Complex in Abrankese.

Newcomers Young Apostles will take on Nsoatreman FC at Twumasikrom, while promoted Vision FC begin their top-flight journey with a home clash against Berekum Chelsea.

The stage is set for a thrilling season of Ghanaian football as the battle for supremacy begins.