Seven things we learned from week one

For some clubs it was a flying start to the season, but for others it represented a nightmarish season opener.

Pulse Sports takes a look at seven major talking points from week one.

Kotoko, Aduana Stars announce title ambitions

If there were any results from week one that did not come as a surprise, then it was certainly that of Kotoko and Aduana Stars. Both clubs were contenders for the league trophy last season, until a late collapse allowed Wa All Stars to evetually steal the trophy.

However, if the opening day displays of both sides are anything to go by, then one is sure to see both clubs challenging at the top once again this season.

Kotoko were not all convincing in their game against Liberty Professionals, but the manner in which they secured the victory – even with a below-par performance – shows their credentials. After going down midway through the first half, coach Zdravko Logarusic’s charges came out in the second half blazing at all cylinders. And their efforts were duly rewarded in a three minute blitz where they scored two goals to turn the game around.

Aduana Stars also showed character in their game against former champions Ashanti Gold, snatching a late winner in the 86 minute.

It’s still early days yet, but both Kotoko and Aduana Stars are already showing their title credentials.

Spectatorship still short in terms of numbers

One take-away from last season’s campaign was fan apathy. The early stages of last season saw encouraging signs, but midway through the season the numbers began to fall.

The 2016/17 season has began is much similar fashion. Day one was not too bad with regards to fans representation. However, it was still short of the desired numbers. The match between Kotoko and Liberty Professionals, as well as the one involving Aduana Stars and Ashanti Gold saw a good number of fans in attendance.

However, the other matches had poor representation of fans. It’s still too early to deliver any verdicts, but the current numbers should be a cause for worry.

Hearts of Oak pay for poor pre-season

Accra Hearts of Oak entered the season under a cloud of mixed feelings. After falling off the pace in second round last season, the Rainbow club would have hoped to start this season on a brighter note.

However, a dull goalless draw against Inter Allies on the opening day of the season means Hearts have already fallen behind their title rivals. And that could largely be attributed to the club’s poor pre-season preparations. It was clear that the players lacked match fitness and were off the pace for the majority of the first half.

One game cannot be used to judge Hearts’ title credentials; however, a poor pre-season has cost them points in the early stages of the season.

Mohammed Yakubu the answer to Kotoko’s goalscoring problem?

At the end of Kotoko’s game against Liberty Professionals, one name made all the headlines: Mohammed Yakubu. The former Ashanti Gold striker joined the Porcupine Warriors in the close season, and he is already proving his doubters wrong.

Two goals on his debut helped Kotoko secure a 2-1 opening day win over Liberty Professionals. But more importantly, Yakubu’s goalscoring exploits have breathed a new lease of life into Kotoko’s attack. The Porcupine Warriors lacked the cutting edge and were largely dependent on outgone striker Dauda Mohammed last season.

The newly signed Anderlecht striker was the club’s topscorer with nine goals, and his replacement was surely going to be difficult to find. However, two-goal hero Mohammed Yakubu could make up for Dauda’s loss if he can repeat his performance against Liberty in subsequent matches. He could just be the man to end Kotoko’s goalscoring woes.

Bolga All Stars already contenders for relegation

As debutants, it was predicted that Bolga All Stars would find it difficult to cope in the Ghana Premier League. The club from the Upper East region qualified to the topflight amid much fanfare. But that excitement was wiped off their faces just 11 minutes into their debut game.

A match against Ebusua Dwarfs was supposed to be a fair fixture. However, Bolga All Stars came out of it reeling as they suffered a damaging 3-1 defeat at the Robert Mensah sports stadium.

The magnitude of the defeat means that the club is already at the bottom of the league table – although three matches are yet to be played. And they will need a major facelift or prepare to be entangled in a relegation dog fight by the end of the season.

WAFA’s poor away form continues

Very good home performers, but their away form is terrible. Who team am I referring to? The West Africa Football Academy (WAFA). The Academy boys survived relegation on the last day of the season. But it was all down to their porous away record. The Sogakope-based club failed to win a single game away from home last season, and this season looks very much likely to go the same way.

Facing a depleted Medeama side in Tarkwah, WAFA had the best chance to end their away woes; however, it was the same old story. Play a dull first half, concede a cheap goal through some sloppy defending and try to battle back when it’s too late.

WAFA has one of the most talented squads in the topflight. But a repeat of the poor away form they exhibited last season could prove costly this time.

Respite for troubled Tema Youth

There were big question marks over whether Tema Youth would be able to stand the test of Premier League football. But after their hard-fought 2-1 victory over Berekum Chelsea, that notion is sure to be buried.

The club was reinstated into the league after they won a case against the now demoted Dreams FC. But their performance on the day against the Blues was one which depicted a team ready for a long stay in the league. It might be too early to call, but Tema Youth are on a respite mission, having endured a tumultuous last two months.