By Abdul-Jalilu Ahmed
The second round of the GN Bank Division One League is just around the corner and the critical questions that keeps popping up all the time is; what could be expected from the 48 clubs?
Just for a reminder, the first round witnessed lots of impressive displays from clubs such as Berekum Arsenal, Dwarfs, Dreams FC, Elmina Sharks, Berlin FC and Pure Joy where as others endured tough times, like, KFC Samosa, Proud United, Abedi Pele’s Nania FC and Bolga Man City.
Prior to the season being ushered into play, clubs that had been pin-pointed to take the league by storm, specifically, Real Tamale United, 1960 league winners Eleven Wise, Unity FC, King Faisal and Tema Youth lived below the average mark.
Elmina Sharks, Dwarfs, Bebiani Gold Stars, Dunkwa United, Dreams FC, Berekum Arsenals and others managed to sail through the first round by avoiding defeat at home.
Meanwhile, KFC Samosa chalked a first time win on the last day of the first round. Berekum Arsenal and Dwarfs ensured to protect their lead from when the league commenced.
However, the second round of the league could offer the opportunity for some clubs to alter their destiny, either by earning promotion into the premier league or avoiding relegation. Zone 1 leaders, Berekum Arsenal, after a long absence from the premier league, would aim to shield their position but would face extreme challenge from Berlin FC, Techiman City and Tano Bofoakwa.
Unity FC, third from bottom will enter into the second round with all the necessary seriousness and energy so as to redeem their lost glory and restore hope into their dyed –in- the wool supporters. Return to the premier league has always been the motive of Ebusua Dwarfs, and have consolidated that with a lead in Zone 2.
The possibility of Coach J.E. Sarpong and his troops achieving such an aim would to a large extent depend on how opponents such as Elmina Sharks, Gold Stars and Dunkwa United would fare in the second round. What poses a threat for Dwarfs is playing as guest to all these clubs during the second half of the season.
A possible 9 points could elude the 1966 League Champions, and may hamper their progress. Elmina Sharks, the only team with a single defeat might be able to maintain such an enviable record till the end of the season. Elsewhere at the bottom, Former FA Cup Winners, Kumasi Cornerstone would hope to bounce back and get rid of relegation.
Mid-table Wassaman United could pull surprises and compel pundits to re-write their notes in the second half. Dreams FC, who for the first time are part taking in division one, have already stated that, they are not running after premier league slot. Sensationally, they are occupying the apex in Zone 3. Pure Joy, on the other hand, are keeping the heat on them and may be able to earn promotion with their vast experience piled up so far.
Pure Joy’s 8-match ban at home, if withheld, stands to make events arduous for T.T Brother’s team. Former Premier League participants, Sporting Mirren, Tudu Mighty Jets and Amidaus Professionals, after performing marvelously at the latter part of the first round could defy all odds and trigger a stir in the second round.
At the bottom of the Zone lie 2010/11 FA Cup winners Nania FC. The position of Abedi Pele’s team has prompted many to probe for the rationale behind such aimless exhibition. Assurances have been made by Nania’s technical handlers to compensate for points lost in the first round.
Tema Real Athletico, who lead the zone from week 4 to week 7 could pull through and realize their dream. Soccer Mountaineers Okwahu United and D’international, at the middle of the table might bring fresh challenge and thus improve upon their current positions.
However, it is worth pointing out that, clubs who harbor an ambition of leapfrogging the leaders of the various zones would have to prepare adequately and chalk better results be it home or away.
It could also be stated categorically without fear or favor that, if all other things being equal, the standings of the respective zones are maintained till the end of the season, Berekum Arsenal, Cape Coast Mysterious Ebusua Dwarfs and Dreams FC, Leaders for Zones 1, 2 and 3 respectively would earn automatic qualification to taste premier league next season.
A talismanic accomplishment from the rest of the clubs could prove otherwise.