Week five saw Hearts win, Kotoko their winless streak, Dreams lose and Wa All Stars maintain their unbeaten record. What lessons did we learn this week?

FORGET TACTICS, KENICHI HAS GOT THE HEARTS SPIRIT BACK

Hearts of Oak’s comeback victory over Inter Allies will go down as one of the dramatic moments in this season’s league. Coaches have often been hailed for tinkering their squads to claim victories. This is no different in this scenario. Keni brought in Musah Inusah in a like for like switch but his third switch was Foovi Aguidi for Eric Kumi which meant Hearts played with basically a front three. All three players played roles in Hearts scoring but the best tactical move on the day was the fans who kept rallying behind the team despite being two down. The momentum from the fans kept the team going and after Isaac Mensah pulled one back, it was only a matter of time before parity was restored. The Never Say Die spirit is well back and with this, Hearts can rely on their fans to help them through games even when they have an off day.

EVANS MENSAH IS A DELIGHT TO WATCH

Samudeen Ibrahim and Baba Mahama are the most often talked about players in the league due to their trickery but the most consistent of them all in five rounds is Inter Allies Evans Mensah. He is far from the finished article but he has got all the traits to be a national star. He has a cultured left foot as well as good control of the ball. The young winger was the brightest spot in the Inter Allies team against Hearts and it comes as no surprise he’s won three MVP awards already. He was the outlet for Addo’s side and most of their attacks went through him especially when Ropapa Mensah had difficulty in holding up play. Hearts of Oak’s Fatau Mohammed and Owusu Bempah will be delighted to see the back of the youngster.

BUT TEMA STADIUM MAY NOT BE READY TO HOST SUCH A CROWD AGAIN

The Tema stadium undeniably recorded one of the highest crowds in years. The stadium was full two hours to kick off and it was testament to Hearts’ good form. However the downside to this was the fact that the stadium lacked a basic social amenity to host the large crowd. Despite the availability of the mobile washroom, several fans still had to use the bush to attend to nature’s call. Young and old, men and women of all kind took turns to use the bush. In a stadium where snakes have reportedly been found there on occasions, it will be a disaster should one of them decide to attack one of the visitors at sensitive parts of their body. The situation may not be any different from other stadiums but administrators should make the safety of their fans paramount. They are their major source of income at this point in the season.

TECHIMAN CITY IS GRADUALY BECOMING THE NEW ADUANA

Three home games, three 1-0 wins. This is a record held by a Brong-Ahafo side. This time, it is not Aduana Stars but Techiman City. The Techiman side have a 100% record at home and are yet to concede. Yusuf Abubakr’s side are making the conscious effort to ensure all home games are won reminiscent of Aduana Stars’ triumph. The Techiman side currently lie fourth on the league log just four points behind leaders Hearts of Oak. All they need is to pick up a few points on the road and maintain their home run and they could possibly end up as league winners.

SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS FOR KOTOKO

In the torrential rains in Kumasi on Friday night, Kotoko labored to a 1-0 victory over Hasaacas to record their first win of the season. The build up to the game had been dominated by the ultimatum given to Duncan and the poor start to the season ever in Kotoko’s season. The pressure on the players was immense and it gradually grew with time as Kotoko probed withouth being rewarded.  The breakthrough finally came through Kwame Boateng’s first goal for the Porcupines. The most important aspect was the three points and such games could well kickstart a good run. The rain in Kumasi could potentially be the showers of blessings needed for Kotoko to finally turn the corner as David Duncan will put it.

BUT BEKOE IS EXASPERATED

Hasmal striker Eric Bekoe launched a scathing attack on David Duncan in the aftermath of their game. Bekoe accused the Kotoko coach of insulting him during the course of the game questioning the professionalism of the boss. Duncan is yet to officially comment on this issue and it will be unfair to make a judgement based on hearing from only one party. It will be expedient for both Duncan and Bekoe to bury the hatchet. They are two individuals who add so much class to the league. Whatever ensued between them should remain on the pitch. Professionalism is a thing every Ghanaian is hoping prevails in the league. Such altercations will not bode well for the league.

AND RICHARD HAS CONCEEDED ONLY ONE GOAL TO DATE

Ghana goalie Richard Ofori has conceded only one goal in the league. His fine form in goal for the Wa side has attributed to their fine start of the campaign It comes as no surprise he has been called up yet again to the Black Stars. One goal conceded in 450 minutes of soccer is worth talking about. Ofori has gone about his work diligently letting his performances do the talking for him. His closest rival Soulama Abdoulaye who has conceded three goals was partly to blame for Gorkhel Ahortor’s free kick in their game as Inter Allies. Ofori is head and shoulders above other keepers in the country at the moment.

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