Ghana Premier League: Promoted sides look to defy the odds in fierce contest
The Ghana Premier League (GPL) is no stranger to tales of underdogs rising to prominence and making a name for themselves among the established giants.
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For newly promoted clubs, the leap into the top division is like being thrown into the deep end of a pool, surrounded by sharks like Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak.
Most debutants are forced to swim against the tide, often finding it tough to keep pace with the demands of the league. Yet, there have been instances where some of these underdogs defied the odds to make a resounding statement, as Aduana FC did in 2009 when they clinched the league title in their debut season.
As the 2024/25 season heads into Match Day four this weekend, all eyes are on newly promoted sides Basake Holy Stars, Vision FC and Young
Apostles, who have shown flashes of promise in the early stages. Their performances so far suggest that they are not here just to make up the numbers but are determined to stay and compete. With a bruising marathon ahead, these teams are aware that their mettle will be tested in the weeks and months to come.
Impactful debuts
Aduana FC set the benchmark in 2009 in a fairytale campaign that saw them defy the odds and shock the old order.
The feat remains unmatched in the modern era, with the Dormaa Ahenkro-based side becoming the only club to win the Ghana Premier League at the first attempt.
Their journey did not end there, as they went on to win a second league title in 2017, establishing themselves as a formidable force in Ghanaian football.
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Since 2021, newly promoted sides have added significant value to the top-flight league, not just by bringing in new talents, but also by injecting fresh competition that excites fans and neutrals alike.
In the 2021/22 season, RTU returned to the league after an impressive performance in the Access Bank Division One League (Zone One), joining Bibiani Gold Stars and Accra Lions.
While RTU faced the harsh reality of relegation after just two seasons, Bibiani Gold Stars and Accra Lions not only survived but thrived.
Accra Lions, under the stewardship of Coach Ibrahim Tanko, continued their upward trajectory and roared loudly to finish an impressive second in the 2023/24 Ghana Premier League season, just behind winners FC Samartex 1996. Gold Stars also had their moment in the sun, with striker Abednego Tetteh topping the scoring charts with 18 goals in the 2022/23 campaign.
Last season, Nations FC, who were promoted from Zone Two of the Access Bank Division One League, revamped their squad after an injection of cash, finishing a respectable seventh without suffering a home defeat.
Their fortress at the Kwame Kyei Sports Complex will face a stern test tomorrow when they host Hearts of Oak.
Survival Tactics
The 2022/23 season saw four newly promoted clubs—Tamale City, Nsotreman FC, Kotoku Royals and FC Samartex—battle for survival.
While Tamale City and Kotoku Royals could not maintain their top-flight status, Nsotreman FC and FC Samartex achieved the league and MTN FA Cup success the following season.
In the 2023/24 season, returnees Bofoakwa Tano and Kpando Heart of Lions, along with debutants Nations FC, graced the Premier League. Despite a promising start, Bofoakwa suffered relegation once more, while Heart of Lions narrowly escaped demotion and Nations FC enjoyed a mid-table finish.
Nsotreman FC and FC Samartex finished the season with the biggest trophies. Nsotreman FC, under new head coach Maxwell Konadu, went on to win the MTN FA Cup, defeating Bofoakwa Tano in the final.
However, it was FC Samartex’s performance that stole the headlines. Led by an unassuming coach, Nurudeen Amadu, who replaced the experienced Daniel Annor Walker, the Timber Giants bulldozed their way to the 2023/24 league title.
They turned their home ground, the Nsenkyire Sports Arena, into an impregnable fortress, winning a remarkable 16 of their 17 home matches. Their success was a testament to tactical discipline, resilience and strong leadership.
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Challenges ahead
The trio of Basake Holy Stars, Vision FC and Young Apostles are keen to follow in the footsteps of Aduana FC, Accra Lions and FC Samartex by making a strong impression in their debut seasons.
Their early performances suggest that they have the quality to compete, but the real test will come as the season progresses. With each passing game, the pressure will mount and only the toughest will survive.