The 2021/22 Ghana Premier League (GPL) reached an exciting juncture with Matchday 27, delivering a series of captivating matches across various stadiums in early May 2022. The weekend’s fixtures produced significant results that reshaped the league table, with Asante Kotoko solidifying their lead at the top and intense battles unfolding in the relegation zone. Below is a detailed look at the key matches, standout performances, and the updated league standings after Matchday 27.
Key Match Results
Asante Kotoko Rebound in Sogakope
At the Sogakope Stadium, West African Football Academy (WAFA) hosted league leaders Asante Kotoko in a highly anticipated clash. The Porcupine Warriors, coming off two consecutive defeats, were determined to return to winning ways. In a tightly contested match, Cameroonian forward Franck Mbella Etouga scored the decisive goal, securing a 1-0 victory for Kotoko. This win strengthened their grip on the top spot, showcasing their resilience and attacking prowess.
Stalemates and High-Scoring Affairs
In Techiman, Eleven Wonders and Great Olympics played out a goalless draw at the Ohene Ameyaw Park, with both sides struggling to find a breakthrough. Meanwhile, at the Baba Yara Stadium, King Faisal’s inconsistent form in the second half of the season continued as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Bechem United. In a standout performance, Ashanti Gold delivered a commanding 5-1 thrashing of Berekum Chelsea at the Len Clay Stadium in Obuasi, highlighting their attacking flair.
Capital City Showdowns
In Accra, Hearts of Oak produced a strong performance at the Accra Sports Stadium, defeating Dreams FC 3-1. This result propelled the Phobians to third place on the league table, reinforcing their status as title contenders. At the El Wak Stadium, Legon Cities continued their impressive run with a 2-0 victory over relegation-threatened Elmina Sharks, further solidifying their mid-table position. Meanwhile, Real Tamale United (RTU) secured a comfortable 2-0 win over newcomers Accra Lions at the Aliu Mahama Stadium.
Karela United’s Upset
At the CAM Park, Karela United stunned Bibiani Gold Stars with a 2-0 victory, dealing a blow to the debutants’ aspirations. This result showcased Karela’s ability to compete against high-flying teams, adding intrigue to the mid-table battle.
Upcoming Fixture
The Matchday 27 schedule concluded with one pending match, as Aduana Stars were set to host Medeama SC at the Nana Agyemang Badu Park on Monday, May 2, 2022, with a kick-off time of 15:00 GMT. The outcome of this game was expected to further influence the top-four race.
League Table After Matchday 27
Following the weekend’s action, Asante Kotoko maintained their lead at the summit of the GPL with 55 points, bolstered by their hard-fought win over WAFA. Bechem United held onto second place with 46 points, despite their draw against King Faisal. Hearts of Oak climbed to third with their victory, while Medeama SC rounded out the top four, pending their result against Aduana Stars. The top-four teams continued to set the pace in a competitive title race.
At the bottom of the table, the relegation battle intensified. Eleven Wonders occupied the 16th position, followed by WAFA in 17th and Elmina Sharks in 18th. These teams faced increasing pressure to secure points in the remaining matches to avoid dropping to the Division One League.
Standout Performances and Implications
Franck Mbella Etouga’s goal for Asante Kotoko highlighted his importance to the team’s title aspirations, while Ashanti Gold’s emphatic 5-1 win over Berekum Chelsea signaled their intent to climb the table. Hearts of Oak’s resurgence and Legon Cities’ consistent form added depth to the league’s competitive landscape. However, the struggles of Eleven Wonders, WAFA, and Elmina Sharks underscored the high stakes in the relegation fight.
As the 2021/22 GPL season progressed, Matchday 27 demonstrated the league’s unpredictability and excitement. With Asante Kotoko leading the charge and the battle for survival heating up, the remaining fixtures promised more drama and defining moments.
