It's matchday 23!

The First Capital Plus Premier League will see exciting matches played in stadia across the country especially due to the storylines on offer. 

Day 22 saw some good games with AshGold’s lead at the top cut from seven to four following their 2-1 loss to Heart of Lions. Cracks in defending champions Asante Kotoko continued to deepen while the mighty oak tree continued its downward trajectory.

This match day could easily be titled a battle of the Hearts, the Stars, Obuasi, the Ports and the Bottoms. 

WAFA v Kotoko

Both teams come into this game after suffering defeats in their weekend encounter. However, it is Kotoko’s humiliating 3-0 loss at home to Berekum Chelsea that has perhaps made the biggest bit of news. In this mid-week encounter, the Porcupines will travel to Sogakope where despite WAFA’s loss to Edubiase, they maintain a comfortable top five position in the table.

WAFA (5th) last five games: L W L W D
Kotoko (10th) last five games: L D W L W 

Hearts of Oak v Hearts of Lions

We would see who has the bravest heart when the two sides meet in Cape Coast.

They would not be playing at Phobian’s home ground because the team has been sanctioned for fan misconduct for assaulting an assistant referee a fortnight ago. Lions have however expressed their displeasure since they claim, they would have to travel longer than their opponents who are supposed to be feeling the punishment of long travel.

Lions will feel emboldened after they beat league leaders Ashanti Gold over the weekend to lift themselves out of the relegation zone. Interestingly, Hearts of Oak’s loss to Aduana Stars saw them take the place of Lions in the relegation zone.

Hearts of Oak have not won a game in their last five matches. They have however promised to lift themselves out relegation.

Hearts (14th) last five games: L L D D L 
Lions (13th) last five games: W L D L D 

Berekum Chelsea v Liberty Professionals.

A few weeks ago, Liberty looked set for a fantastic top four finish but the Dansoman side appear to be headed in the opposite direction with eight games to go.

Prior to their goalless draw at home to Medeama on Sunday, they had both of their preceding two games.

The story is however different for Chelsea. They were mid-table a few weeks ago but have shot to second and have managed to close the gap at the top to four points. Sunday's sensational win against Kotoko also represented Chelsea’s first away victory in 33 matches.

For now, the Blues are the only closest club to be considered as real title contenders. They have an impressive home record after picking 31 out of the 33 points in Berekum this season.

Chelsea (2nd) last five games:  W W D W L
Liberty (8th) last five games: D L L W D 

AshGold v Edubiase

AshGold could not maintain a winning run as they lost to Lions who were in the relegation zone.

The loss confirmed that AshGold were indeed vulnerable on the road. They would be hoping to do well, as usual, at home when they play New Edubiase on Wednesday. Edubiase will come into the game feeling rejuvenated after beating WAFA on Sunday. Who conquers the gold township of Obuasi? 

AshGold (1st) last five games: L W L W D 
Edubiase (12th) last five games: W L W L D 

Wa All Stars v Aduana Stars

All Stars have a similar story to that of Liberty.

At one point in the second half of the season, they were second. They could not maintain their footing and have slipped to a disappointing sixth.

Aduana Stars are however enjoying their time at the top of the league in third position after beating struggling Hearts of Oak over the weekend. Who shall shine brighter in the battle of the Stars at the Wa Park on Wednesday?

All Stars (6th) last five games:  D D L W W 
Aduana (3rd) last five games: W L W L W 

Inter Allies v Hasaacas

Both teams have a fairly strong record in the last few games. The boys from Sekondi have not lost in their three games while Tema’s Allies have an impressive record of no losses in their last five games. They are the only team to have consistently broken the “lose-away” jinx other clubs have faced in the league. Indeed, they have won three out of three and will be hoping to continue this enviable run when they play in Tema. Which port city comes out top?

Inter Allies (4th) last five games: W W W D D 
Hasaacas (7th) last five games: D W W L W 

Medeama v Bechem United

Bechem will travel to face Medeama, who managed to get a draw at Dansoman in the weekend encounter against Liberty. Bechem suffered a 2-1 loss at the hands of Olympics and will be hoping to redeem themselves. Nathaniel Asamoah will be hoping to break his goal duck after going a month wihout scoring.

Medeama (9TH) last five games: D D L W L 
Bechem (11TH) last five games: L W L W D 

B.A United v Olympics

This encounter is a battle of the two bottom sides. The lowest ranked teams will scramble in a bid to try and edge themselves out of the red zone. United continue their free fall in the league as they lost 2-0 to Inter Allies on match day 22 while Olympics recorded a rather good result after they beat Bechem 2-1

B.A Utd (16th) last five games: L D D L D 
Olympics (15th) last five games: W L W L L 

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CLICK TO READ: 7 things we learned from matchday 22

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The Joy Sports Team will be bringing you all these exciting games on match day 23. Follow minute by minute updates by using the #JoySports on Twitter.