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

KENI AND HEARTS ARE ON A MISSION

It will be a crime if this piece does not start with league leaders Hearts of Oak after a comprehensive 3-1 victory over Bechem United. Hearts are clearly a team on a mission. The Phobians know what they are about. At this point last season, Herbert Addo was still chopping and changing his squad to find the right team for Hearts. The script is different this term. The Phobians have a settled back four and settled midfield well marshalled and anchored by Emmanuel Sarbah Laryea and Mustapha Essuman. The only tinkering Kenichi has to do is who partners Samuel Yeboah up top. Cosmos Dauda, Richard Yamoah and Foovi Aguidi have all taken turns to partner Yeboah.

BUT WHERE IS SAMUDEEN?

Impressive on matchday one but now missing. The youngster excited Hearts fans with his trickery and skills but has been missing from the team since. It is rumored he is carrying a knock since then but Hearts cannot afford to have another Kofi Abanga or Emmanuel Hayford in their team. Both of these men were bought with great expectations following their playmaking exploits. However their Hearts’ career were all blighted by injuries.  They could barely string two or three consistent performances together and that all but ended their Hearts career. Samudeen must ensure he does not continue this trend. With his paly, he could be a useful asset to the national tea. However, all this can be achieved through consistent play during competitive games not training.

THE PORCUPINE IS IN THE COOKING POINT

Kumasi Asante Kotoko are in trouble. You need no calculator or technical eye to interpret the table. The Fabulous lads have picked up two points from a possible 12. Scored two, conceded four and won none. They could further be pushed down the table should a winner emerge in the Dwarfs Medeama game. Kotoko began poorly last season but ended up second but considering the fine start to the campaign by most clubs, it will be a herculean task for Kotoko if they do not get their acts together. Next up is a game against Hasaacas who are poor travelers. Certainly the turning point?

BUT DUNCAN IS IN A NEW TERRITORY

David Duncan has always been brought in to clear the mess. Never has he created a mess which he will be tasked to clean himself. This is the situation of the Kotoko coach now. Duncan’s appointments at Hearts and Kotoko were all in the middle of the campaign when the team were underperforming. Now he has the team from scratch and yet they are underperforming. This is certainly a new territory for the under 17 who must prove doubters, most especially fans in Kumasi, wrong.  A big test for his managerial credentials.

SET PIECES HAVE BEEN TAKEN SERIOUSLY THIS CAMPAIGN

Malik Akowuah, Eric Bekoe and Walidu Mumuni have scored wonder free kicks in the league and it is only week three. Any of these goals could well pass for goal of the season. In addition to this, Mustapha Essuman, Kadri Mohammed and Sam Yeboah have all found the net from corners. Clearly more work has gone into the field of set pieces. Coaches and players must be commended for working on what has been an Achilles heel for most Ghanaian clubs and even the national team. At this rate, more goals will be scored and we will should be ready to be entertained by more eye-catching and scintillating goals.

ROMANIAN MAGIC COULD SAVE ADUANA’S CAMPAIGN

New coach and normal service is restored at Dormaa. The Aduana side won their first game of the campaign and you can easily guess the scoreline. A 1-0 win over WAFA could well be the catalyst to kick start their campaign. There had been much talk about uneasiness in the Aduana and how egos had disrupted their play. In Aristoca, they could have all their egos managed and the Dormaa side will well live to their preseason form. 25 games to go, 75 points available. There is still more time for the Nana Agyemang Badu to reap the benefits of his investment.

DRAW SPECIALISTS

It may have escaped you, but Ashantigold are having a sturdy run in the league. If the Miners don’t beat you, you won’t beat them. As simple as that. The Miners have picked up three draws in four matches with two of these away. Considering the difficulty in playing away from home, these two away draws is a good boost for the Miners. The champions are still trying to find their best team following key first team departures. Should they hit the ground running, they will surely be a force to reckon with.

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