The first week of Ghana Premier League action lived up to expectations providing chunks of drama, upsets and big performances from some players.

As matchday two beckons, the heavyweights will aim to make their marks early in the season but there will be underdogs set to spoil the party.

Here are Joy Sports’ five talking points ahead of matchday two.

The Shatta Show

Legon Cities FC have attracted the admiration and love of fans with a few marketing stunts but the most anticipated move so far is the expected live performance of Shatta Wale on Friday at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The dancehall artiste agreed to the deal with the management of Legon Cities on Monday to give fans a treat before the game between the Royals and Ghana Premier League heavyweights Kumasi Asante Kotoko.

The game will be much awaited but the appearance of one of the best dancehall artists in the country at the venue makes this fixture even more attractive.

Hearts begin life after Kim Grant

On Tuesday, Hearts of Oak parted ways with former Black Stars player Kim Grant, making him the 19^th coach to be shown the exit door by the club in the last decade. Grant was appointed in 2018 to bring major trophies to a club that has been lacking them since 2009.

The Phobians lost to arch-rivals Asante Kotoko in the President’s Cup and a week later fell to a shock defeat against Berekum Chelsea at the Accra Sports Stadium on matchday one.

The 20 time Ghana Premier League champions now face a stern test at Medeama, a side that comfortably defeated Ebusua Dwarfs in their first game. All eyes will be on Edward Nii Odoom, Hearts of Oak’s interim manager and the team to bounce back from Sunday’s horror show.

Yahaya Mohammed to continue goal scoring form?

Yahaya Mohammed came into this campaign as one of the favourites for the golden boot and so far he is living up to the billing. The 31-year-old kicked off his campaign with a hat-trick against Inter Allies, winning the man of the match award in the process.

His next test will be at the Accra Sports Stadium as Aduana lock horns with Accra Great Olympics. Oly Dade started their season in poor fashion with a humbling 3-0 defeat to season favourites AshantiGold.

With Olympics’ frailties in defence, Mohammed has an even better opportunity to widen the gap at the top of the golden boot race.

First Ashanti Derby of the season

On matchday 1, King Faisal had the opportunity to prove doubters wrong on their away trip to Dreams FC but they came short in spectacular fashion. The Kumasi-based-club conceded four goals on the day and could only muster one in reply.

The game exposed their lack of preparation and defensive weaknesses although King Faisal owner Alhaji Grunsah argued that the match was poorly officiated, the result was inevitable with the way they played.

King Faisal have an even bigger challenge on Sunday as they welcome regional rivals AshantiGold at Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

The Miners started their title challenge well, comfortably beating Great Olympics 3-0 at the Len Clay Sports Stadium.

With the clinical Shafiu Mumuni in the Obuasi based side’s books, King Faisal looks set for another heavy defeat.

Karela United under early pressure?

Karela broke into the Ghana Premier League spotlight in the 2017/18 season and although the competition was brought to a halt, the Ayinase based side earned the admiration of neutrals with their excellent performances.

Karela moved up through the gears in the Normalization Competition Special tier 1, placing 2nd in group B and recording a shock victory over AshantiGold in the semi-finals.

They narrowly fell short to Asante Kotoko on penalties in the final but their performance earned huge respect and the club was tagged for further success in this season’s league.

In matchday 1 however, Karela lost all three points at home to WAFA, springing doubts of their quality. Karela now have to dispel the fears on their away trip to face the Elmina Sharks this Sunday.

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