The top four teams, Aduana Stars, Accra Lions, Asante Kotoko, and Great Olympics, all failed to win, as Hearts of Oak battled back to earn a point at home against Dreams before the World Cup break.
Here are five things we learned from matchday 8.
KING FAISAL’S SUDDEN REVIVAL
Following wins against Kotoku Royals and Karela United, King Faisal handed Accra Lions their third loss of the season with a 2-1 victory on Sunday. Both Samuel Antwi and Abednego Tetteh scored for the second time in three games, after netting on matchday 6.
For the first time this season and in over a year, King Faisal have won three games in a row. The Kumasi-based team last did so on November 14, 2021, when they defeated West Africa Football Academy, Aduana Stars, and Ashanti Gold. While Accra Lions suffer their first back-to-back defeats, King Faisal are statistically the most in-form team, and will hope to maintain this form when the league resumes next month.
YORK SAVES HEARTS OF OAK IN ACCRA
Hearts of Oak came from behind to tie 2-2 with Dreams FC, and Benjamin York rose to the occasion once more. David Kwabena netted a brace for the ‘Still Believe’ men, putting Dreams FC on the verge of their first win in five matches. However, Dreams scored an own goal, which gave the Phobians hope.
York came off the bench five minutes before the end of the game and tied the game. It was the centre-forward’s second goal in two games having scored in midweek against the Accra Lions. He only scored one goal last season, but he has already scored twice this season, and his confidence is at an all-time high. If he continues to play like this, York will be a starter in no time.
DEFENDING CHAMPIONS DOWN AGAIN IN TAMALE
Despite losing 2-1 to Real Tamale United (RTU), Kotoko will enter the World Cup break in third place. RTU won all three points as Issah Kuka and David Abagna scored to break the Porcupines’ advantage. While Kotoko’s inconsistency persists, RTU have won three of their last four games, moving them up to 11th place.
The result adds to Kotoko’s poor record in Tamale, where the Porcupines have not beaten RTU since 2013. So far, Kotoko have failed to live up to high expectations and are struggling to win over fans, but they are statistically better after eight matchdays than they were last season when they won the title. Kotoko won four, drew three, and lost one game after eight matchdays last season, just one point more than this season (4 wins, 2 draws, 2 losses).
TAMALE, A WILD DEN FOR ADUANA
Tamale City defeated Aduana Stars after Isaac Mensah and Sampson Eduku scored to overcome Bright Adjei’s 53rd-minute strike. The Ogya lads have suffered their second defeat of the season, and ironically their second defeat in Tamale. On matchday 6, the 2017 champions lost their unbeaten run to Real Tamale United. Tamale City’s victory means Aduana are still without a win in Tamale after six games.
TOP FOUR REMAIN UNCHANGED
Surprisingly, the top four teams all lost this weekend. Aduana Stars, Asante Kotoko, Accra Lions, and Great Olympics all lost away from home. Fortunately for them, teams closely following them, including Hearts of Oak, did not take advantage, allowing them to maintain their positions.
