)
Pulse Sports brings you five of the major talking points from match-day three.
READ ALSO: Champions League Amartey makes cameo appearance in Leicester City defeat
Aduana Stars on cloud 9
Yusif Abubakar’s side are the most in-form side in the league, having won each of their first three games. Aduana Stars missed out on the league title last season after a contentious loss to Wa All Stars in the penultimate game. However, the Ogya lads have started this season on a bright note, and are in a good position to lift the trophy.
)
)
)
If Aduana’s results have been good, their performances have been even better. Having started the season with a late 1-0 win over Ashanti Gold, Aduana again repeated the scoreline when they traveled to face newcomers Elmina Sharks at the newly built Nduom Stadium. But week three bought out the best of the club after they brutally dismantled Bolga All Stars by four goals to nil.
It is now six goals scored from three matches, with none conceded. Top of the table as well and having everything perfect for them, Aduana Stars are certainly on cloud nine right now.
Hearts lagging behind in early race
The Rainbow Club once again flattered to deceive after recording their third straight draw of the season. Hearts of Oak had already recorded dull goalless draws with Inter Allies and Medeama, and another draw against Ebusua Dwarfs was certainly not what the club would have wanted.
READ ALSO: Ghana Premier League We are making progress - Hearts of Oak coach
After a bright start which saw the Phobians take an early lead in the 9th minute thanks to a Patrick Razak strike, the club capitulated to allow their opponents snatch a draw. It was déjà vu all over again; Frank Nuttal’s side were sloppy and reactive, instead of being proactive.
A third successive draw means that Hearts of Oak is now six points behind early pacesetters Aduana Stars, and lagging behind in the title race already.
Kotoko very much unconvincing despite win
It was one of the trickiest matches of the week. A match between Asante Kotoko and Bechem United is always a tough one, however, the Porcupine Warriors should have wrapped the result earlier than they did. A team boasting of Kotoko’s quality should be making easy work of this depleted Bechem side, but coach Logarusic’s side struggled from the blast of the whistle.
Even though Kotoko won thanks to a late penalty from Abeiku Ainooson, it was in fortuitous circumstances. The side is yet to get into full gear, having worked under Logarusic for just a short period. It is likely that Kotoko will improve in the coming weeks, but they need to start winning convincingly as well.
They are still unbeaten after week 3. Two wins and a draw is not a bad outcome, but the performance needs to match their potential.
Refereeing still below-par
Once again refereeing decisions seem to have overshadowed this week’s round of matches. It has been the same old complaints over the years, and it looks like it will not end anytime soon. Week three’s fixtures were once again clouded by the questionable decisions of certain referees.
READ ALSO: Shameful CAN 2008 media backdrop being used during 2017 Ghana Premier League
The aftermath of the game involving Ebusua Dwarfs and Hearts of Oak was not dominated by the football displayed, but by decisions of referees. A disallowed goal for the away side in the dying minutes caused uproar among fans, with many complaining bitterly. Ashanti Gold coach Bashir Hayford also went on a long rant criticizing the centre referee for his performance in the sides 1-1 draw with Tema Youth.
Bechem United also complained of Kotoko being awarded a soft penalty, and it goes on and on. It is obvious that refereeing in Ghana has been poor in recent times, and it sometimes mars the league’s football.
Relegation already knocking on the doors of Bolga All Stars
Two games: seven goals conceded and just one scored. Bolga All Stars already look like candidates for relegation. The newly promoted side entered the topflight amid much fanfare, however, their season couldn’t have started any worst.
A 3-1 loss to Ebusua Dwarfs was followed by a damaging 4-0 defeat to Aduana Stars and it is obvious the Bolga-based side lack the quality to compete in the topflight.
It is still early days yet, but Bolga All Stars will need to work some magic to get themselves out of the pit they are currently in. Rooted at the bottom of the league, with the worst goal difference, the side is sure to be fighting relegation come the end of the season.