Hindsight: The key battles that could determine the title race (Part 1)

The 2024/25 Ghana Premier League season will end in three weeks. There is no clear favorite for this competitive season.

Four clubs have a chance to win the league. Bibiani Gold Stars lead with 56 points. Nations F.C. has a game in hand, while Kpando Heart of Lions and Asante Kotoko both have 54 points.

Asante Kotoko recently fired Dr. Prosper Ogum. They last won the league two years ago. Since then, they have won two out of three matches. Their victories include a 4-1 win against Dreams F.C. and a 1-0 win over Aduana Stars. The only draw was against rivals Accra Hearts of Oak.

Coach Abdul Karim Zito could become the second person to win the league as both player and coach for Kotoko. However, their championship credentials will be tested in the next three matches.

This Sunday, Kotoko faces Gold Stars in Bibiani. Historically, Kotoko has performed well against them, winning four out of seven meetings and losing just once.

Gold Stars defeated Kotoko 2-1 in September 2023 but lost both subsequent games without scoring. In total, Kotoko has scored 12 goals against Gold Stars while conceding only four.

Betting on Kwame Poku or Albert Amoah to score seems wise for Sunday’s match.

Gold Stars boast an impressive home record but lost at home last week to Karela United after not losing for over a year.

Kotoko's current position means any slip-up could end their title hopes. They previously beat Gold Stars 2-0 at Baba Yara Stadium last December.

Next up for Kotoko are familiar foes Medeama S.C., who are not currently in a title race and were eliminated early from the MTN FA Cup.

Medeama is not a team to underestimate despite their struggles this season. They have historically been tough opponents for Kotoko, winning six out of twenty meetings.

In recent matches at Baba Yara Stadium, Medeama has won three times against Kotoko while losing twice. This makes them a challenging opponent for Kotoko.

Kotako typically drops points every four home matches; they cannot afford mistakes now.

If they secure six points from these two games, they can focus on Vision F.C. on the final day of the season.

Bibiani Gold Stars have exceeded expectations this season and deserve praise for their performance since promotion four years ago.

Critics often attribute their success solely to investments at Dun’s Park, but that view overlooks their strong team dynamics and management under Frimpong Manso.

Frimpong Manso has revitalized players like Ronald Frimpong and Samuel Atta Kumi, who are now key contributors to the team's success.

If Gold Stars maintain their form over the next three matches, they could become champions for the first time ever by defeating Asante Kotoko, Berekum Chelsea, and Accra Lions.

Berekum Chelsea's chances have dwindled after recent losses in all competitions including an FA Cup semi-final defeat to Kotoko by one goal.

Chelsea's poor form may benefit Gold Stars as they prepare to face them next week; each side has won three times in seven previous encounters but Gold Stars recently won twice convincingly against Chelsea.

Accra Lions present another challenge as they fight relegation with only 35 points currently placing them last on the table.

Matches between Lions and Gold Stars tend to be closely contested; each side has two wins with remaining draws from seven meetings.

In their first-round match this season, Gold Stars dominated Lions with a stunning 3-0 victory where Atta Kumi scored a hat trick.

For Gold Stars to clinch the league title, they need consistent performances from Atta Kumi and all team members moving forward.