Ghana Premier League: Medeama, Lions primed to maintain perfect starts
With champions Bibiani Gold Stars and giants Asante Kotoko engaged in continental duty this weekend, all eyes will turn to leaders Medeama SC and second-placed Heart of Lions as they bid to extend their 100 per cent records in the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League.
Medeama, under the stewardship of Ibrahim Tanko, have looked efficient with back-to-back winners over Young Apostles and Vision FC, and now face former regional rivals Karela United in a tricky clash tomorrow at the Aliu Mahama Stadium, Tamale.
Karela, who relocated to Tamale last season, are desperate to stabilise their top-flight status by targeting mid-table safety after a brush with relegation.
They have shown signs of improvement under Coach Nurudeen Amadu, taking four points from their first two games, but the former FC Samartex boss admits tomorrow’s showdown is one of the toughest encounters he is bracing for a major step up.
"Medeama, Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko are clubs that can test us because they have experience and quality. But we won't over-respect anyone but will prepare to play every team with the same seriousness,” Coach Amadu told the Graphic Sports this week.
Head-to-head history favours Medeama, with Karela managing just three wins from 15 encounters. Yet, with home advantage in their favour, Karela will fancy their chances of unsettling the pacesetters to ignite their campaign.
At the Kpando Stadium, Lions — last season’s runners-up — look well placed to pounce on struggling Bechem United. Bashir Hayford’s side have roared to wins over Dreams FC and Eleven Wonders, and with a noisy home crowd behind them, they will back themselves to make it three wins from three games.
Bechem, who opened with a defeat to Gold Stars, steadied the ship with a goalless draw last week but must dig deep to stop the Lions’ charge.
FC Samartex chase elusive win
Former champions FC Samartex 1996 face a daunting trip to Abrankese tomorrow as they seek their first victory of the season against Nations FC at the Kwame Kyei Complex.
Coach Christopher Ennin’s men have opened the campaign with two draws and need momentum, but their resolve will be sternly tested in one of the league’s most intimidating arenas.
Nations FC boast an imposing 59 per cent win rate at home from last season (10 wins, three draws, four losses in 17 outings), and Kassim Mingle Ocansey’s side have already shown their intent with a winning start, edging Swedru All Blacks 2-1 on September 14.
The Abrankese-based side, who finished third last season after faltering in the final stretch, are determined to go one better this year.
Their manager insists the squad is primed for a title chase, and their head-to-head advantage against FC Samartex adds to their confidence. Nations FC have claimed three wins in their last four meetings, leaving the visitors without a victory over them in nearly two years.
The Timber Giants have not beaten them since January 2023 — and that was on home soil with a narrow 1-0 win. With key men Lawrence Ansah and Michael Ephson departing, the former champions must prove their depth against formidable opposition.
Elsewhere tomorrow, Vision FC and Hohoe United collide at the Nii Adjei Krakue II Park in Tema with both sides still hunting their first win of the season.
At the Nana Afrefa Nketia VII Complex in Wenchi, the spotlight will fall on Dreams FC, winless and goalless in two matches, as they take on Young Apostles.
Coach Winfred Dormon is already under pressure to spark a revival at Dreams FC, but the Apostles — themselves chasing a first win but encouraged by a gutsy 1-1 draw with Hohoe United — will see this as an opportunity to pile on the misery against the wobbly visitors.
Aduana FC return to the Nana Agyemang Badu Park this afternoon to face Swedru All Blacks. Aduana are brimming with confidence after edging Nations FC 1-0 last weekend.
That result not only lifted them off the mark but also stretched their remarkable home streak to seven successive wins.
Cioba Aristica’s men were ruthless at Dormaa-Ahenkro last season, claiming 10 wins and four draws in 17 games while racking up a league-best 28 home goals. That form makes them heavy favourites, even against a revitalised All Blacks.
The newcomers announced their top-flight return in style, dismantling Berekum Chelsea 3-0 at home in a performance that suggested they would not merely make up the numbers.
But facing Aduana in Dormaa-Ahenkro is an altogether different test, one where few have emerged unscathed.
Postponements
Two fixtures have been pushed back due to continental action: Gold Stars’ home clash with Berekum Chelsea and Kotoko’s meeting with Holy Stars at Nseknkyire Sports Arena.
