GN Bank Division One League

The 2016/17 GN Bank Division One League was launched this past Friday, January the 27th, 2017 at the Coconut Groove Hotel in Accra.

Barring any unexpected pronouncements from the FA Disciplinary Committee, or any other quarters, GN Bank Division One, Zone One side, Dreams FC have, this afternoon, qualified to play in the nation’s elite soccer division come next season following their 3-0 home rout of Okwahu United.

FC Tanga, one of the budding teams on the GN Bank Division One League scene has officially written to the Ghana Football Association to withdraw from the league.

Action in the nation’s second tier league – GN Bank Division One League – continued this past weekend in zone 1 and 2 with Week 26 though not completely in the books yielding very fruitful results for a couple of teams as the impressive Cape Coast based Elmina Sharks drew closer to the cusp of being the first team to qualify for the Premier Division next season as they extended their lead to 9points over their closest pursuers and look very likely to wrap up the division title within the next week or two with a couple of games to spare. Real Tamale United also took over the top spot in zone one for the first time this season over the game in hand leaders - Mighty Royals – to keep the pressure on the latter and also set the stage for a likely photo finish given the inability of all the top four teams to win on the road.

In zone one, hitherto fourth placed Real Tamale United kept their hopes of qualifying to the Premier Division alive as they vaulted to the summit in zone one over the idle Mighty Royals who will likely play on Monday following their 2-0 home win over bottom Unity FC and the collapse on the road of the two teams ahead of them. They will at worse drop to the second spot should the Royals win against bottommost Bawku Utd. Bofoakwa Tano failed to take advantage of their recent luck and the momentum thrown their way by the recent FA decision against Berekum United that leapfrogged them to the second spot as they fell flat on the road, succumbing to a lone goal defeat at the hands of Wa Rockets who vacated the first relegation spot for the 12^th spot with the win as they look to shore themselves from the brewing relegation brouhaha. And as expected Bolga Stars failed to break the yoke against FC Tanga on the road as they went down by 2 goals to nothing to leave their quest of making a move for the top spot this weekend unfulfilled.

Berekum Arsenals got some of their mojo back following the recent FA Disciplinary Committee decisions against them that has so far cost them a whopping 6points with a hard fought 5-4 advantage over the visiting Mpuasuman outfit in their entertaining and thrilling 9 goal fest to narrow the gap for the top spot, and B. A. United with a game in hand ended their recent 3 game skid with a miserable lone goal win over Tamale Utrecht.

Elsewhere on the weekend, Berlin FC stumbled at home to a lone goal loss against the once relegation threatened Guan FC who have now managed to string together 3 straight wins to improve to the 11^th spot on 32points with the relegation brouhaha seemingly well behind them, and relegation candidates, Liberty Babes, failed to help their survival cause at home in spite of  their recent three straight game winning spree as they tanked to a 2-1 loss against the visiting Steadfast unit who improved to mid-table with the win.

In zone two, imposing runaway leaders Elmina Sharks, left nothing to chance as they trounced the visiting relegation engulfed Starke FC by three goals to nothing to up their tally to 59points, extend their lead to 9points and move closer to the cusp of wrapping up qualification to the tier-one division with 4 games to the end of the season. The surge and remarkable output from Karela FC this second half of the season may have finally proved too daunting of a task as the once relegation threatened King Faisal humbled them with a 2-0 loss to leave any chance and mathematical combination of them catching up or overtaking the Sharks for the summit virtually over and nothing more than a dream as they fell behind by a colossal 9points with the loss. And Gold Stars finally made some headway, unlikely as it seems towards regaining the second spot as they drew 6points closer to it following their 2-0 home win over Wassaman Utd.

Sekondi Eleven Wise’ hopes of ending the season on high note continue to be a struggle as they extended their non-winning run to three in as many outings following their goalless tie against the visiting Dunkwa Utd but they once again held on to the fourth spot as those behind and capable of overtaking them all lost. Asokwa Deportivo hopes of making it into the top four this past weekend were dashed on the road at the hands of the one-time bottommost club – Venomous Vipers who seem to have rediscovered their potency and form as they handed the former a 4-1 thumping for a third straight win in their last three appearances and a lift to the 11^th spot 31points though they still have some work to do as far as the relegation drama is concerned.

Elsewhere on the weekend, Achiken added to the relegation woes of Tarkwa Utd who now have the keys to the cellar with a 2-1 home win, Proud United compounded Cornerstone’s relegation headache with a lone goal win that left the latter tied on 30points for the first relegation spot with 3 other clubs and Nzema Kotoko dropped mid-tablers – Samartex FC – by a lone goal push their agenda for a top four finish alive and well.

Zone one - DAY 26 - 20TH & 21ST AUG., 2016

SUN       TECHIMAN                                           BERLIN  0-1 GUAN UTD 

SUN       BEREKUM PARK                                    ARSENAL 5-4 MPUASUMAN      

SUN       TAMALE MAIN                                      RTU 2-0 UNITY  

SAT        WA STADIUM                                      WA ROCKET 1-0 BOFOAKWA      

SUN       BOLGA PARK                                         FC TANGA 2-0 BOLGA ALL STARS              

SAT        TAMALE STADIUM MAIN                       LIBERTY BABIES 1-2 STEADFAST

SUN       SUNYANI CORONATION PARK                B. A. UNITED 1-0 TAMALE UTRECHT        

SUN       WAMANAFO COMM. PARK                     MIGHTY ROYALS VS BAWKU UTD     

Zone 2 - DAY 26 - 20TH & 21ST AUG., 2016

SUN       BIBIANI                                                GOLDSTARS 2-0 WASSAMAN UTD.          

SUN       ELMINA                                                SHARKS 3-0 STARKE       

SUN       EJUSU                                                  KING FAISAL 2-0 KARELA             

SAT        CAPE COAST                                       VENOMOUS VIPERS 4-1 DEPORTIVO       

SUN       ADANSI HWEREMOASI                           ACHIKEN 2-1 TARKWA UTD         

SAT        GYANDU                                              PROUD UTD 1-0 CORNERS           

SUN       GYANDU                                              ELEVEN WISE 0-0 DUNKWA UTD.             

SUN       ASANDA                                              NZEMA KOTOKO 1-0 SAMARTEX              

© 2016 ABENA ALICE/MYGHANALINKS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Follow @myghanalinks on Twitter and like us on Facebook

With GN Bank Division One – zone one – week29 matches postponed until further notice over bribery allegations involving a couple of teams and zone 3 in catch-up mode at Week 27, penultimate matches in zone two will come on this weekend at the various league centres with the top spot and ticket to premiership soccer already taken by Elmina Sharks and the runner-up spot going to Karela FC.

What remains open is largely the jockeying for the third and fourth spot at the top end of the log and the quest to beat the drop taking center stage as the relegation bug beckons to two unknown teams from about a total of 5 teams with just about one and two points difference between them to join Tarkwa Utd who have already punched their exit ticket for the trip to Division One soccer.

Recommended: GN Bank Division One League – Zone 3 – Week 27 Preview: Olympics take on relegation embroiled Amidaus in cagey road duel, Lions at SP Mirren, Planners at Nania FC

Thus, the fight to avoid relegation will pick up in intensity this weekend as 14^th placed relegation threatened Cornerstones welcome 15^th placed 12 win Dunkwa Utd who have 31points to their turf with the chance to boost their survival chances with a victory. Dunkwa Utd won the first encounter by 2 goals to nothing but will be hard-pressed for the victory in this one as Corners put up a fight for their very survival in the division. One spot off the first relegation spot - Starke FC – will continue their battle for survival at home this weekend in search of nothing short of the win and the maximum 3points as they look to rebound from last weekend’s 3-1 loss to Vipers as hosts of Achiken who have the relegation blues well behind them. A must win game for Starke who cannot afford to ruin their chances of survival. And, relegated Tarkwa Utd will have the chance to give their home fans something to smile about as they play host to Samartex FC who have the 6^th spot on 39points with the relegation brouhaha well behind them.

Sekondi Eleven Wise will be under severe pressure to keep hope alive for a top four finish to the season as they take to the road as guests of on an Asokwa Deportivo side that is looking to end a five game slump that has seen them lose four and draw once in their last five outings. Wise won the first encounter by 2 goals but the reverse fixture looks like a very tough assignment for the Show Boys who haven’t fared well on the road this second round and just ended a four game slide (3 losses, 1 draw) with a 3-0 home win over Tarkwa United. And 12^th placed Cape Coast Venomous Vipers who remain a point adrift of the first relegation spot will have to put in one of their best road performances yet for the maximum points at Wassaman United to boost their chances of survival.

Elsewhere on the weekend, King Faisal who once reigned on the bottom of the log and are now two precious points adrift of the first relegation spot will be hard-pressed not to fall back some on the log and into the relegation mire as guests of Gold Stars who will be on the hunt for the rebound from last weekend’s 3-1 loss at Elmina Sharks, division runner-ups – Karela FC – will have the chance to send some relegation jitters into the camp of Proud Utd as they host the latter with victory on their mind, and 2015/16 GN Bank Division One, zone 2 Champions – Elmina Sharks will have the chance to deny Nzema Kotoko’s bid for the fourth spot and perhaps save it for Eleven Wise as they look forward to closing out a fantastic run with their final home win of the season.

DAY 29 - 10TH AND 11TH SEPT., 2016

SUN       BIBIANI                                                GOLDSTARS VS KING FAISAL     

SUN       BABA YARA                                          CORNERS VS DUNKWA 

SAT        TARKWA T&A PARK                              TARKWA UTD VS SAMARTEX     

SAT        BABA YARA                                          DEPORTIVO VS  ELEVEN WISE    

SUN       ANYINASI CAM PARK                              KARELA VS PROUD UTD.              

SUN       DUNKWA                                              STARKE VS ACHIKEN     

SUN       DOMPIM                                               WASSAMAN UTD VS VENOMOUS VIPERS            

SUN       ELMINA                                                SHARKS VS NZEMA KOTOKO      

© 2016 ABENA ALICE/MYGHANALINKS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Follow @myghanalinks on Twitter and like us on Facebook

With the top prize and ticket to the premiership already wrapped up by Elmina Sharks, GN Bank Division One League zone two matches came on as scheduled with the jockeying for position and the quest to avoid relegation taking center stage as the bottom teams continue the fight to avoid joining relegation bound Tarkwa Utd.

At the Nduom Sports Stadium in Cape Coast, division winners Elmina Sharks were formally declared winners and awarded a trophy, a plaque and medals for all the players and members of the technical team at a brief coronation ceremony by the Division One League Board after playing to a 1-1 tie against Nzema Kotoko. The Sharks will be putting in their first appearance in the premiership and may join rivals – Ebusua Dwarfs – as the 2 clubs from the central region should the latter survive relegation.

Division runner-ups Karela FC maintained their stellar home record with a lone goal win over visiting Proud Utd to leave the latter stuck on 36points, just 2 adrift of the first relegation spot needing to win their last match of the season to secure their stay in the division. Third placed Bibiani Gold Stars and one time drop zone dwellers – King Faisal FC – played out to nine-goal thriller with the former losing by four goals to five at home and king Faisal well on their way to sealing their stay in division one soccer.

Elsewhere on the weekend, relegation threatened Cornerstones won by 2 goals to nothing over Dunkwa Utd to move up to the 13^th spot, two adrift of the first relegation spot and will have to win once more to improve upon their chances of survival. Starke FC won by two goals to one at home over Achiken to improve their odds of surviving the drop zone but like Corners they will have to win their next game, and Venomous Vipers dug themselves a deep hole in the relegation mire as they lost by a lone goal in a closely contested game against Wassaman Utd who moved completely out of the relegation brouhaha with the win. With the loss, Vipers dropped to the first relegation spot on 34 points and will have to win their last game whilst hoping that the teams above them drop the maximum points in their final games for them to have a shot at survival.

The results of the match between Tarkwa Utd and Samartex, Deportivo and Eleven Wise were not available at the time of this post.

DAY 29 - 10TH AND 11TH SEPT., 2016

SUN       BIBIANI                                                GOLDSTARS 4-5 KING FAISAL     

SUN       BABA YARA                                           CORNERS 2-0 DUNKWA

SAT        TARKWA T&A PARK                               TARKWA UTD VS SAMARTEX     

SAT        BABA YARA                                           DEPORTIVO VS  ELEVEN WISE    

SUN       ANYINASI CAM PARK                              KARELA 1-0 PROUD UTD.             

SUN       DUNKWA                                               STARKE 2-1 ACHIKEN    

SUN       DOMPIM                                                WASSAMAN UTD 1-0 VENOMOUS VIPERS           

SUN       ELMINA                                                 SHARKS 1-1 NZEMA KOTOKO     

© 2016 ABENA ALICE/MYGHANALINKS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Follow @myghanalinks on Twitter and like us on Facebook

GN Bank Division One League Zone One games came on as scheduled at the various league centres this past weekend with RTU holding on to the summit following a tough 2-1 win at home over Guan FC to maintain their one point advantage over the closest competition - Mighty Royals - who demolished Tamale Utrecht by three goals to nothing at home to retain the second spot as well as maintain the pressure on RTU for the top spot. For Tamale Utrecht, the loss dug them deeper into the relegation hole and they will have to win their last two matches and hope those about them lose all of theirs to have a shot at beating the drop. Not to be outdone, third placed Bolga All Stars also pulled a surprising 2-0 win at the Sunyani Coronation Park over PL returnees Brong Ahafo United who looked like a team that is done for the season given their current non-competitive position. The win puts Bolga All Stars who are two points behind in perfect position to launch a last minute upset for the top spot.

Bofokwa Tano gave up whatever hopes they had left of making a push towards premier league soccer with a 2-1 road loss at Liberty Babies. The win moved Liberty Babies to the 13^th spot, and a point safe from the first relegation spot, and Berekum Arsenals who are still kicking themselves on the shin for the blown opportunity at making a run for the top spot following the FA Disciplinary Committee’s decision that saw them lose some massive points won by three goals to nothing at home over Berlin FC.

Elsewhere, FC Tanga defeated Unity FC by two goals to nothing to leapfrog Bofoakwa Tano for the fourth spot. The defeat left Unity FC just 3points shy of the first relegation spot. Results for the match between Bawku Utd and Steadfast, Wa Rockets and Mpuasuman were not available at the time of this write-up.

With 9points, two games in hand and just two games to the end of the season Bawku United have punched their ticket out of Division One soccer.

DAY 28 - 3^RD & 4^th SEPT., 2016

SUN       BEREKUM PARK                                 ARSENAL 2-0 BERLIN

SUN       TAMALE MAIN                                   RTU 2-1 GUAN UTD

SAT        WA STADIUM                                   WA ROCKET VS MPUASUMAN

SUN       BOLGA PARK                                     FC TANGA 2-0 UNITY

SAT        TAMALE MAIN                                  LIBERTY BABIES 2-1 BOFOAKWA

SUN       SUNYANI CORONATION                     B. A. UTD 0-2 BOLGA ALL STARS

SUN       BAWKU PARK                                    BAWKU UTD VS STEADFAST

SUN       WAMANAFO COMM. PARK                  MIGHTY ROYALS 3-0 TAMALE UTRECHT

© 2016 ABENA ALICE/MYGHANALINKS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Follow @myghanalinks on Twitter and like us on Facebook

The three way race and current positioning for the single available spot in Zone 3 to premiership soccer remained the same at the end of week 26 as all the top three teams won handily at home as expected in midweek action to leave leaders – Accra Great Olympics holding on to their 2point advantage and the pursuing Heart of Lions and Okyeman Planners tied on 52points apiece for the second and third spot respectively. On the relegation front, Roberto FC are well on their out but King Solomon punched their ticket for the exit.

At the Fire Service T.S Park, Accra Great Olympics stayed the course of a quick return to the Ghana Premier League with an impressive 2-0 revenge win over MTN FA Cup finalists, Okwawu Utd, to maintain the top spot and their 2points advantage. The Asaase Aban Boys extended their non-winning run to 4 (3 losses and 1 draw) with the loss and will have to turn things around quickly if they want to end their season in the upper half of the log. Not to be outdone, Heart of Lions added to the relegation woes of Amidaus Professionals with a 3-0 thumping that left the latter glued to the first relegation spot and the former 2points behind for the top spot. And, upstarts Okyeman Planners kept their quest for PL qualification alive with a 2-0 win over Kotoku Royals who have lost all their last three games to the top three teams and remain just three points above water.

Vision FC solidified their hold on the 4^th spot with a lone goal win over visiting SP Mirren to open a 6point gap over their closest pursuers - Okwawu Utd - and Tema Youth. Tema Youth failed to capitalize on home advantage for the win, disappointing their fans in the process with a goalless tie against Istanbul who held on to their mid-table spot with the earned point.

Elsewhere in midweek action, Nania FC did not disappoint at home as they collected all three points at the expense of Pure Joy to vault to the 12^th spot on 31points, dropping the latter to the 13^th spot in the process. Last but one King Solomon kept up their abysmal run with a goalless tie against Danbort FC to punch their ticket out of Division One soccer barring any last minute miracles. With their current 17points tally, the maximum points they can accrue should they win their last four games will be 29, a sum that can at best only catapult them to the first relegation spot. And, cellar dwellers Roberto FC continued their unstoppable downhill descent to the abyss of Division Two soccer as they failed to grab the much needed win and the maximum 3points at home to boost their survival chances after settling for a 1-1 tie with Mighty Jets. As it stands now, Roberto FC with their current total of 15points have to win all five remaining matches to give themselves an unlikely shot at survival.

DAY 26 - 20TH & 21ST AUG, 2016

SAT        LEGON                                  NANIA 1-0 PURE JOY     

SUN       KWAHU PRASO                       KING SOLOMON 0-0 DANBORT 

SUN       TEMA                                    TEMA YOUTH 0-0 ISTANBUL       

SAT        SOGAKOPE                            ROBERTO 1-1 MIGHTY JETS         

SAT        KWIMAN                               VISION 1-0 SPORTING MIRREN 

SUN       KPANDO                                LIONS 3-0 AMIDAUS      

SUN       FIRE SERVICE T.S                  OLYMPICS 2-0 OKWAWU UTD.  

SUN       OLD TAFO                             PLANNERS 2-1 KOTOKU ROYALS               

© 2016 ABENA ALICE/MYGHANALINKS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Follow @myghanalinks on Twitter and like us on Facebook

Final matches for this season’s GN Bank sponsored Division One - zone 2 - league will be played at the various league centers this weekend with action in zone one on hold as the DOL Board conducts investigations into allegations of bribery between Brong Ahafo United and Bolga All Stars in their match Day 28 fixture. Action is ongoing in zone three where week 28 matches will come on this weekend.

Following the crowning of Elmina Sharks as Zone Two Champions and their consequent promotion to the premiership, Karela FC and Bibiani Gold Stars coming in second and third respectively, the last top four spot is the best thing left to fight for at the upper end of things. On the bottom, the fight to avoid the drop will continue with at least five teams working hard to avoid the fate of relegated Tarkwa Utd who are off to the abyss of Division Two soccer.

Thus, Dunkwa Utd who have the 15^th spot on 31points from 12 wins and 4 ties perhaps due to legal and disciplinary issues etc. will take on relegated Tarkwa Utd for the chance to improve on their points tally, two points off the first safe spot relegation threatened Venomous Vipers will welcome Gold Stars to their turf with hopes of a big win and a prayer for at least one of the three teams ahead of them on 36 points to falter and fall short of saving their season. Vipers have won their last three matches at home and that should be enough motivation for them as they go in search of one more win that may perhaps save their fate. And, the once powerful franchise - Kumasi Cornerstones - that at one them rivaled Kumasi Asante Kotoko will have much to play for as they take on 5^th placed Nzema Kotoko on the road with their survival on the line as they look to avoid the drop.

In what is definitely the most intriguing matchup of the day, two relegation engulfed sides – 11^th placed Starke FC and 12^th placed Proud Utd with 36points apiece will duke it out at the Essipong stadium for a shot at redemption with the loser likely bound for the exit in case of a Vipers/Cornerstones win. And 10^th placed on 37points Achiken will need all but a point go across the finish line as they host Wassaman Utd with a strong chance of picking up the maximum points.

Elsewhere, Eleven Wise will take on Karela FC for a shot at the last top four spot, Samartex FC will welcome Asokwa Deportivo and King Faisal who are well beyond the relegation fray will host Division winners – Elmina Sharks.

DAY 30 - 17TH & 18TH SEPT., 2016

SUN       EJUSU                                                   KING FAISAL VS SHARKS               

SUN       CAPE COAST                                          VENOMOUS VIPERS VS GOLDSTARS       

SUN       ADANSI HWEREMOASI                            ACHIKEN VS WASSAMAN UTD. 

SUN       ESIPONG                                               PROUD UTD. VS STARKE              

SUN       GYANDU                                                ELEVEN WISE VS KARELA             

SUN       SAMRABOI                                             SAMARTEX VS DEPORTIVO         

SUN       DUNKWA                                               DUNKWA UTD VS TARKWA UTD               

SUN       ASANDA                                                 NZEMA KOTOKO VS CORNERS  

© 2016 ABENA ALICE/MYGHANALINKS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Follow @myghanalinks on Twitter and like us on Facebook

Week 27 games of the GN Bank Division One – zone three - league came on as scheduled this weekend with the already tight race for the Division title getting a tad tighter as the points differential dropped to one at the top end of things. On the bottom end, King Solomon FC and Roberto FC for all intent and purposes confirmed their relegation to the abyss of Division two soccer with three games to the end of the season.

Premier League hopefuls and zone 3 leaders - Accra Gt. Olympics - saw their bid stonewalled in their must win or at worse play for a tie game as they emerged on the wrong side of a five-goal thriller (2-3) against relegation threatened Amidaus Professionals who remain in the hole but boosted their survival chances. With the loss, Olympics saw their 2point lead drop to one as Heart of Lions played it safe on the road, salvaging a point against SP Mirren to hold on to the second spot and draw a point closer to the top spot. Not to be outdone, third placed Okyeman Planners played it safe on the road in a 1-1 tie against relegation engulfed Nania FC who needed the maximum three points badly to increase their odds of avoiding relegation.

Fourth placed Vision FC’s quest for a top four finish remained intact despite falling by two goals to nothing at Mighty Jets who moved to mid-table with the win to distance themselves from the relegation brouhaha encircling the last 6 teams on the table. The struggles continued for Danbort FC as they extended their non-winning run to 5 straight games against the visiting Tema Youth with a 1-1 tie.

Elsewhere on the weekend, MTN FA Cup finalists - Okwawu Utd - extended their non-winning run to four straight games as they played to a goalless tie at home against the visiting Kotoku Royals. Pure Joy improved their survival chances with a 2-0 home win over the now relegation bound King Solomon, and Roberto FC sealed their exit from Division One soccer following their 3-0 trouncing at the hands of Istanbul FC who improved to the 6^th spot with the win.

DAY 27 – 10^TH & 11^TH September, 2016

SAT        NUNGUA                            DANBORT 0-0 TEMA YOUTH       

SUN       PRAMPRAM                         PURE JOY 2-0 KING SOLOMON  

SUN       NKAWKAW                          OKWAWU UTD 0-0 KOTOKU ROYALS      

SAT        TEMA                                 AMIDAUS 3-2 OLYMPICS             

SUN       AQUINAS                            SPORTING MIRREN 1-1 LIONS   

SAT        MATS TESHIE                     MIGHTY JETS 2-0 VISION              

SUN       AKIM TAKYIMAN                  ISTANBUL 3-0 ROBERTO               

SAT        LEGON                               NANIA 1-1 PLANNERS   

© 2016 ABENA ALICE/MYGHANALINKS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Follow @myghanalinks on Twitter and like us on Facebook

With three games to the end of the GN Bank Division One – Zone three – league, the chase to the elite division still remains too close to call with Gt. Olympics holding a point advantage over fellow division title hopefuls – Heart of Lions and Okyeman Planners, and for this weekend it looks like the positioning will remain the same as the three teams revert to their favorite home turfs with leaders Gt. Olympics hosting Sporting Mirren in a must win match as they look to rebound from this past weekend’s 2-3 loss at Amidaus.

GN Bank Division One League – Zone 3 – Week 28 games came on as scheduled without any major changes in the standings as all the top three teams won as expected to leave the standings the way it was at the beginning of the match day.

Accra Gt. Olympics rebounded remarkably well from their week 27 loss at Amidaus with a 4-0 thumping of visiting Sporting Mirren to hold on to the top spot and their one point advantage over the pursuing Heart of Lions who improved their unbeaten run to 5 games (4 wins and a tie) after defeating Mighty Jets at home by 2 goals to nothing. Not to be outdone in the winning column on the day, Newbies Okyeman Planners taught their seniors in the division – 2015/16 MTN FA Cup finalists Okwawu Utd – how to get it done as they battered the latter to a 4-0 humiliating defeat to maintain the pressure on Olympics and Lions. The chase for the single spot to the PL division remains tight with Olympics atop with a point advantage over Lions and Planners respectively.

Fourth placed Vision FC solidified their grip on that spot with a lone goal win over visiting Istanbul to make the position theirs to lose as Okwawu Utd continue to maintain their 5 game winless stupor, and Danbort FC ended their 5 games winless run with a 3-1 win over already relegated Roberto FC who picked up their 11^th defeat of the second round.

Elsewhere on the weekend, relegation engulfed Pure Joy put up a spirited performance against Tema Youth on the road to pick up a point and improve to 3points above the first relegation spot held by Amidaus who fell by a lone goal at Kotoku Royals who built a 4points buffer against the first relegation spot on 35points and the 11^th spot, and already relegated King Solomon continued their elusive search for their 5^th home win of the season to give their fans something to smile about.

DAY 28 - 17^th & 18^th SEPTEMBER

SUN       KWAHU PRASO                         KING SOLOMON 0-2 NANIA

SUN       TEMA                                      TEMA YOUTH 1-1 PURE JOY

SAT        SOGAKOPE                              ROBERTO 1-3 DANBORT

SAT        KWEIMAN                               VISION 1-0 ISTANBUL

SUN       KPANDO                                  LIONS 2-0 MIGHTY JETS

SUN       FIRE SERVICE                          OLYMPICS 4-0 SPORTING MIRREN

SUN       ODA                                        KOTOKU ROYALS 1-0 AMIDAUS

SUN       OLD TAFO                               PLANNERS 4-0 OKWAWU UTD.

© 2016 ABENA ALICE/MYGHANALINKS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Follow @myghanalinks on Twitter and like us on Facebook

Week 28 of the GN Bank Division One League came on as scheduled this past weekend across the various stadiums with Cape Coast based Elmina Sharks capitalizing on their home advantage to defeat Bibiani Gold Stars by three goals to one to clinch their division and a historic spot in next season’s edition of the Ghana Premier League with two games to the end of the season. It is a well-deserved qualification for the Elmina based Sharks who unquestionably put up one of the best performance in Division One soccer history in recent times, winning 20, drawing 5 and losing 3 thus far from 28 matches.

With the race for the top spot completely over, the fighting and jockeying for morale boosting positioning towards next season’s competition and relegation avoidance will have to continue, and continue it did with the second placed Karela FC capping off an excellent second round performance that saw them give chase for the elusive top spot notching a hard-fought 1-1 tie at Achiken to up their points tally thus far to 54 and also wrap up the runners-up spot in the division over Gold Stars who with their 3-1 at the Sharks gave up their shot for the second spot. Western Show Boys – Sekondi Eleven Wise maintained their push for a top four finish with a 3-0 thumping of Tarkwa Utd for just their third win of the second round and an end to their 3 games non-winning run. With the loss, Tarkwa Utd confirmed their departure from the wilderness of Division One soccer to the abyss of Division Two soccer with two matches to go given their current tally of 24points and the fact that taking the maximum of 6 from their next engagements will still not be enough. And Nzema Kotoko maintained their push for a top four finish with a 2-0 win over visiting Dunkwa Utd to remain a point adrift of the fourth placed Eleven Wise.

Elsewhere on the weekend, one time cellar dwellers – King Faisal – kept their push to distance themselves from the relegation places with a hard-fought 2-1 win over visiting Wassaman Utd to move up to the eleventh spot, albeit, just 2points adrift of the first relegation spot. Proud Utd made hay at home with a 2-0 win over Asokwa Deportivo to up their tally to 36 and 3points away from the first cut-off spot, FC Samartex added to the relegation woes of one-time Kumasi based giant side – Cornerstones – after handing them a lone goal defeat that have them currently holding on to the first relegation spot on 33 points, and Venomous Vipers kept up the push to beat relegation with their second straight win in as may outings, a 3-1 home hammering of Stake FC to improve to the 12^th spot on 34points. The loss dropped Starke FC to the 13^th spot and left them tied on 33points with Cornerstones for the first relegation spot though they have the advantage of keeping their heads above water for now by virtue of superior goal difference etc.

DAY 28 – 3RD & 4TH AUG., 2016

SUN       ELMINA                                                  SHARKS 3-1 GOLDSTARS

SUN       EJUSU                                                    KING FAISAL 2-1 WASSAMAN

SUN       CAPE COAST                                          VENOMOUS VIPERS 3-1 STARKE

SUN       ADANSI HWEREMOASI                             ACHIKEN 1-1 KARELA

SAT        GYANDU                                                PROUD UTD 2-0 ASOKWA DEPORTIVO

SUN       GYANDU                                                 ELEVEN WISE 3-0 TARKWA UTD

SUN       SAMRABOI                                             SAMARTEX 1-0 CORNERS

SUN       ASANDA                                                 NZEMA KOTOKO 2-0 DUNKWA UTD

Log table and game day scores courtesy of ghanafa.org

© 2016 ABENA ALICE/MYGHANALINKS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Follow @myghanalinks on Twitter and like us on Facebook

With the Premier League season over and DOL Zone 2 and 3 Championship all decided, soccer fans will have something to cheer about as final GN Bank Division One – Zone One games come on at the various league centres this weekend with a lot riding on the line for the top two teams and three of the bottom four teams; for the top two teams, Bolga All Stars and Mighty Royals, it is a chance to wrestle the Division title and the attendant historic qualification to the Premier League, which will be a first in club history for both sides. For three of the bottom four teams; Unity FC, Tamale Utrecht and Wa Rockets, it is their last day of reckoning as they try to avoid the plunge into the abyss of Division Two soccer.

With one more game to the end of the season and the relegation battle long over, Accra Gt. Olympics this afternoon took the competitive spirit out of the GN Bank Division One, Zone 3 league, after defeating Mighty Jets by two goals to one to seal their qualification and promotionto the Premier League come next season.

Season ending games for this year’s GN Bank sponsored Division One - Zone one – league came on as scheduled at the various league centers this past weekend with leaders - Bolga All Stars – defeating Tamale Utrecht in their must win game and topmost encounter of the weekend to secure a historic qualification to the nation’s elite soccer division. They edged closest contenders and eventual runner-ups -Mighty Royals - who entered the match day 2points behind the summit by 2points. Mighty Royals won on the day, a 2-0 home win over Steadfast FC but it was not enough to see them through.

Ultimate matches for this season’s GN Bank sponsored Division One - Zone 2 - league came on as scheduled last weekend with the last minute rush to avoid relegation and Eleven Wise’s bid for the fourth spot being the main things at stake on the afternoon with Elmina Sharks having won the division and Karela FC and Bibiani Gold Stars having guaranteed themselves the second and third spots respectively.

The Division One - Zone 2 - log looks a bit unclear on the bottom with a couple of items seemingly needing to be cleared; mainly the outcome of the match between relegated Tarkwa Utd and Dunkwa Utd who were supposed to play each other on the last match day, and with the latter having accrued 13 wins and 4 ties, but languishing in the drop zone perhaps over disciplinary reasons which will eventually be resolved by the FA.

Nonetheless, Sekondi Eleven Wise secured a desirable fourth spot finish with a lone goal win over Karela FC to lead a three way charge and points tie for the hyped spot on 45points over FC Samartex who ended the season on a high note with a 2-0 victory over Asokwa Deportivo that propelled them to a fifth spot finish as they look forward to a better next season under the charge of new Serbian boss Miroslav Bogdanovich, and Nzema Kotoko who won by two goals to one over the now relegated Cornerstones to improve to a sixth spot finish.

Achiken defeated Wassaman Utd who finished seventh by four goals to two for the 9^th spot, Venomous Vipers edged Gold Stars by a lone goal at home to escape looming relegation and improve to the 12^th spot on 37points, and Division One, Zone 3 winners – Elmina Sharks ended their season with a 1-1 tie against King Faisal who ended the season on 39points and the 11^th spot after mounting a hurried run to beat the drop following a lengthy stay in the relegation places.

The result of the match between Proud Utd and Starke FC was not posted at the time of this write-up, but Proud Utd secured 39points from 30 matches for the 10^th spot and thus look to have survived the relegation scare unlike Starke FC who claimed the 13^th spot and 36points.

 Results for the last match day game between Dunkwa Utd and Tarkwa Utd was also not available with both teams having 29 matches to their credit according to the log, but Tarkwa Utd with their final season tally of 21points had already punched their exit ticket for Division Two soccer. The fate of Dunkwa Utd who at this time have 34points from 13 wins and 4 ties will be known once the FA resolves and updates the log.

Thus, barring any last minute major changes to the most recent update of the Zone 3 log as provided by the GFA on its website - a copy of which is posted above - at this time, it is fairly clear that the once proud Kumasi Cornerstones franchise whose players donned the vaunted and vivid Black & White stripes and stood tall alongside Asante Kotoko have together with Tarkwa Utd been relegated. The fate of Dunkwa Utd and Starke FC remains unclear and we will provide updates after the expected resolution.

DAY 30 - 17TH & 18TH SEPT., 2016

SUN       EJUSU                                                   KING FAISAL 1-1 SHARKS             

SUN       CAPE COAST                                          VENOMOUS VIPERS 1-0 GOLDSTARS       

SUN       ADANSI HWEREMOASI                            ACHIKEN 4-2 WASSAMAN UTD.

SUN       ESIPONG                                               PROUD UTD. VS STARKE              

SUN       GYANDU                                                ELEVEN WISE 1-0 KARELA            

SUN       SAMRABOI                                             SAMARTEX 2-0 DEPORTIVO        

SUN       DUNKWA                                               DUNKWA UTD VS TARKWA UTD               

SUN       ASANDA                                                 NZEMA KOTOKO 2-1 CORNERS 

 Log table and game day results courtesy of ghanafa.org

© 2016 ABENA ALICE/MYGHANALINKS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Follow @myghanalinks on Twitter and like us on Facebook

Penultimate GN Bank Division One League games came on as scheduled at the various centres this midweek with a mixed bag of results for many a team and their supporters as relegation threatened Liberty Babies punched their exit ticket to Division Two soccer, RTU got completely shut out for the top spot in the zone with the accompanying hope of PL qualification, and Mighty Royals nabbed a rare road win to deny leaders - Bolga All Stars - who were idle on the day outright access to the Division title that a loss on their part would have entailed.

Following the withdrawal of Bawku United FCfrom the GN Bank Division One sponsored league by the GFA Disciplinary Committee for breaching Article 6 and 7 of the FA rules, and the subsequent purging of all the results of their games, Bolga All Stars appear to be the biggest beneficiary of all the ruckus as they opened a four point gap atop the Zone One summit heading into the penultimate stage of the competition having technically played 27 games and having a real chance of winning the division should they win their last game, or should RTU and Mighty Royals lose on the road this midweek. Interestingly, the battle for survival has also been affected by the redrawing of the log with six teams finding themselves caught up in the relegation cloud.

Thus, one-time table-toppers - Real Tamale United - who once looked to be on course for a possible return to the Premier League now find themselves a whopping 4points back and will have to win their last two games at all cost whilst hoping for a Bolga All Stars implosion to have a shot at winning the division. And, their course to the summit starts this midweek on the road where they haven’t been particularly great as guests of Berlin FC, a side that thrashed them by four goals to nothing at Tamale in week 2 and is now in dire need of another win to distance themselves from the relegation places of which the remain a mere 2points adrift of. Looks like a tough encounter for RTU, given the relegation implications for their hosts who will have the crowd behind them. Third placed Mighty Royals who had a long reign atop the leaderboard for a while and eventually ceded it because of their inability to win on the road now find themselves 5 solid points adrift of the top and will have to win their last two matches whilst counting on losses for Bolga All Stars and RTU to have a shot. Unfortunately, they will be on the road where their performance has been beyond awful as guests of Berekum Arsenals who will like to repeat their first round win over their guests. Mighty Royals’ best road performance this second half of the season is a Week 21 tie (1-1) with Unity FC. And, Bofoakwa Tano who improved to the fourth spot with the reshuffling but remain virtually shut out of the top spot and look to be technically playing their last game of the season will host B. A. United at the Sunyani Coronation Park with the chance of ending their season on a winning note should victory be theirs.

Eleventh placed Relegation engulfed Mpuasuman who are just two points off the first relegation spot will have the chance to improve their odds of avoiding the drop with a win over visiting FC Tanga can likely secure a top four finish with a road win against Mpuasuman, and relegation threatened 13^th placed - Wa Rockets- will need to play their best game of the season on the road as guests of Guan FC  for at worse a share of the spoils to avoid digging a deep hole for themselves in the relegation places. Guan FC with the 9^th spot and 31points also need the win to avoid any surprises from the bottom.

Elsewhere in midweek action, 14th placed with 27points relegation threatened - Tamale Utrecht - will have their survival in the Division One League on the line in a must win match against 7^th placed Steadfast FC who are safe, and 12^th placed Unity FC will have the chance to save their season as hosts of bottommost Liberty FC in an encounter whose loser will likely head into the abyss of Division Two soccer.

Week 29, 28^th September

Berekum Arsenals vs Mighty Royals – Berekum Park

Steadfast vs Tamale Utrecht – Tamale Stadium

Guan FC vs Wa Rockets – Tamale Academy Park

Berlin FC vs Real Tamale United – Techiman

Mpuasuman vs FC Tanga – Japekrom

Unity FC vs Liberty Babies – Goaso

Bofoakwa vs B.A. United – Sunyani Coronation Park

Log table and fixtures courtesy of ghanafa.org

© ABENA ALICE/MYGHANALINKS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Follow @myghanalinks on Twitter and like us on Facebook

The GN Division One League will continue this weekend with several of the favorites from the respective zones, Brong Ahafo United, W. NEA Salamina, Hasaacas, FC Samartex, Gt. Olympics, Heart of Lions, and Tema Youth, who all failed to notch a perfect start to the season hoping to rebound this weekend.

The GN Bank Division One League continued this weekend with a mixed bag of results as several of the favorites, Gt. Olympics, Heart of Lions, and New Edubiase FC struggled to get into a winning rhythm, while several others, Hasaacas, Tema Youth, and Unity FC grabbed notable victories.

The GN Bank Division One League will continue this midweek with the pace a tad slow and tight in zone one, where heavyweights like Salamina, B. A. United, and Bofoakwa have yet to make any noticeable impact. In zone two, perennial contenders, Gold Stars, have already set the pace with two straight wins, while in zone three, preseason contenders like Gt. Olympics, Heart of Lions, Vision FC, and Tema Youth are yet to hit the field at full speed.

Week 05 of the GN Bank Division One League will come on at the various league centers as scheduled.

The GN Bank sponsored Division One League will kick off this weekend in what will definitely shape up to be another interesting season across the various zones as last year’s premier league demoted sides - Sekondi Hasaacas, Techiman City, New Edubiase and legally demoted Dreams FC - battle it out with contenders like Karela FC, Mighty Royals, Okyeman Planners FC and seemingly longtime ago premier league sides such as Okwahu Utd, Heart of Lions, RTU, B.A Utd who are still stuck in the wilderness of division one soccer for the single slot in each zone and the chance for tier-one soccer.

The GN Bank Division One League got underway this past weekend with several of the tenured teams across the various zones sending early indications that they are ready to contend and that it’s not going to be a walk in the park for the Premier League returnees who are somewhat expected to win and make a quick return to tier-one soccer.

GN Bank Division One League - Week 10 - matches will come on this midweek at the various stadiums with the race very tight between overachieving newbies, Eleven Wonders, RTU and W. NEA Salamina in Zone one, 3points back, - Hasaacas – beginning to exert pressure on Karela FC for the top spot in Zone 2, and Dreams FC 5points clear of the chasing duo of Heart of Lions and Vision FC.

GN Bank Division One matches came on as scheduled this midweek with the challenges of playing on the road proving deadly as well as a blessing to the title aspirations of several teams in Zones one and two as RTU, Techiman City, Hasaacas, FC Samartex were pegged back by road losses whilst Gold Stars made significant gains towards the top spot in Zone two. Amidaus Professionals stayed true their recent form as they held Dreams FC to a pulsating goalless tie at home.

With the Ghana Premier League on a short break this weekend, The GN Bank Division League will grab some of the attention as it continues into Week 11 this weekend with the pursuit for qualification to the Premiership having narrowed down somewhat to a couple of teams across all three Zones.

The GN Bank Division One League did not disappoint this past weekend as they marked their time on centre stage - with the premiership division in a brief lull - with several thrilling low and high scoring games at the various stadiums.

The GN Bank Division One League will continue this weekend with several exciting fixtures across all three zones; Techiman City bent on slowing down zone one table toppers – Eleven Wonders, FC Samartex eying a return to the win column against a wily Bibiani Gold Stars that seem to have mastered the travails of playing on the road in zone 2, and newly promoted side Phar Rangers looking to cause and upset in the face of recent struggles against the undefeated Dreams FC side who have the lead in zone one.

Week 12 of the GN Bank Division One League came on as scheduled across the various centers without any major changes or surprises in the top spots in all three zones as the respective leaders won to maintain their hold on the top spot.

The GN Bank Division One League will enter Week 13 this weekend with a couple of decisions from the GFA Disciplinary Committee that has for now impacted the race for the coveted trophy and perhaps ultimately qualification to the elite division next season.

penultimate matches of the first half of the 2016/17 GN Bank Division One League football season will come on this midweek with several intriguing matches on the schedule across all three zones; a couple of top-four clashes and high profile matches, all with significant ramifications for the title chase as teams look to close out the first half strongly.

Week 14 of the GN Bank Division One League got underway this past Wednesday without any major upsets as all the top teams that were in action on the day avoided defeats to hold on to their top perch. However, Dreams FC picked up their first loss of the season on Thursday.

Final matches of the first round of the 2016/17 GN Bank Division One League season will be played at the various centers this midweek with some compelling matches on the schedule as Eleven Wonders, Karela FC, Heart of Lions look to hold on to their respective 5points, 8points and 2points lead. The likes of Guan FC, Eleven Wise and Dynamo FC who are on the very bottom of the log will look to close out the season strongly to psyche up for the relegation battle ahead.

Final matches of the first round of the 2016/17 GN Bank Division One League season came on as scheduled this midweek with a couple of results that affected the lay of the land in the world of Division One soccer. Heart of Lions ceded the top spot in zone 3 after a week’s reign, Gold Stars extended their unbeaten run to a record 14 games with a fiery 2-1 road demolition of Hasaacas, and hitherto bottommost Guan FC stunned Bofoakwa on the road.

The second half of the 2016/17 GN Bank Division One League season will kick off this weekend with matches scheduled for the various stadiums. A couple of things to take note of; hitherto Zone one leaders - Eleven Wonders - have ceded the top spot to Unity FC due to some disciplinary issues, Karela FC opened an 8point lead in Zone two following the clearing of all outstanding matches, notable being Gold Stars' 2-0 loss to FC Samartex. In Zone three, it remains a three-way race with Dreams FC at the helm with a point and 2points advantage over second placed Heart of Lions and third placed Vision FC.

The second half of this year’s GN Bank Division One League got off to a promising start for the summit holders across all three zones as they all scored the much needed win to keep their pursuers at bay. Notable among the day’s results was Gold Stars sweeping Hasaacas and hitherto zone 1 bottom dwellers – Guan FC – throwing Bofoakwa a curveball.

There will be no rest for the weary in Division One soccer as Week 17 beckons this midweek with several interesting matches on the schedule; B. A. United at Techiman City for a shot at the second spot, New Edubiase at home to BYFA with hopes of maintaining the pressure on Gold Stars for the second spot, and Dreams FC going for the revenge as they host Heart of Lions.

GN Bank Division One league matches came on as scheduled this past midweek with the major outcome being Heart of Lions holding Dreams FC to a pulsating 1-1 tie at Dawu and Danbort FC upsetting Vision FC on the road in a 3-2 thriller. Unity FC and Karela FC won in their respective zones to maintain a comfortable 4 and 8 points advantage in that order.

The GN Bank sponsored Division One League will bounce back in midweek style once again following a short break this past weekend for MTN FA Cup tournament matches. Nothing but tricky road encounters await the various leaders of all three Zones.

With a couple of matches set for today to bring Week 18 to an end, Karela FC and Dreams FC remained in full control of their destiny – promotion to the premiership – as they scored victories in their dicey road encounters to remain ahead. Unity FC remain atop of their zone, despite been edged on the road by Kintampo FC.

 The GN Bank Division One League will enter Week 19 this weekend following a short turnaround from this past midweek’s matches with the race to the premiership division picking up some more heat as Zone one leaders - Unity FC – take their game to the road for the second time this week, and zone three summit chasers – Heart of Lions – find themselves in a must-win road match as they look to stay within striking distance of Dreams FC. In zone two, it looks like Karela FC has nothing to worry about this weekend.

Week 19 of the GN Bank Division One league ended up being more eventful than anticipated. Eleven Wonders pulled off the improbable on the road against Techiman City to get back into the title race, Unity FC got pegged back but they remain in the hunt. However, it was Heart of Lions, who took what looks for now like an irrecoverable step back as they went down heavily on the road against Okwahu Utd to give Dreams FC a solid 4points advantage in Zone three.

Demoted Premier League sides – Techiman City, New Edubiase, Dreams FC and Hasaacas were given a taste of the uncertainty of life in the wilderness of Division One soccer as they played to respective ties and a lone goal home win for the latter. With the exception of Hasaacas who will be involved in a tough road match, the other three will have the chance to turn things around and perhaps grab their first win in the division to get their hopes of a quick turnaround back on track.

The GN Division One league entered week two this past weekend with several unexpected results as some veteran demoted sides failed to impress once again and some of the newly promoted clubs to the division continued to impress.

The GN Bank sponsored Division One League will return this weekend with just 10 games to the end of the season with Dark Horses and Mpuasuman (Zone one), King Faisal, Wassaman Utd, Eleven Wise and Fijai Real Utd (Zone two), Okyeman Planners, Zein FC, and Dynamo FC all deeply engrossed in the battle to stave off relegation.

Several of the relegation threatened teams across all three zones of the Division One League caught no respite this weekend as they largely stayed put in the bottom places at the end of the match day. However, Karela FC and Dreams FC, continued their march towards tier-one soccer with significant victories.

Action in the nation’s second tier league will continue this weekend with a very significant change atop the leaderboard in Zone one. W. NEA Salamina have taken over the summit in Zone One on 36points after winning their Week 15 protest against Mpuasuman. The two sides played to a goalless tie.

Week 21 of the GN Bank Division One League will most likely turn out to be the defining week for Karela FC and Dreams FC towards their eventual promotion to the Premiership division. The former drew four wins closer to their goal and the latter opened a huge 7points lead over the pursuing pair of Heart of Lions and Vision FC.

The GN Bank Division One League will continue this weekend with a lot of attention on the proceedings in Zone one where the race to tier-one soccer is wide open and for now between three clubs - W. NEA Salamina (39 pts), Eleven Wonders (37pts) and Bofoakwa (35 pts). In Zones two and three, Karela FC and Dreams FC look to be well on their way. The battle to avoid relegation to the abyss of Division Two soccer is also far from over.

With just 8 games to the end of the season, Karela FC and Dreams FC took another giant step towards tier-one soccer as they extended their lead to 14 and 9 points in Zones 2 and 3 respectively over their closest pursuers. In Zone one, the chase remains open, but it got a bit interesting as Eleven Wonders worked their way back to the top. On the bottom end of the scale, things are definitely not looking good for Eleven Wise, Mpuasuman and Zein FC.

With the Ghana Premier League on a month’s hiatus, the GN Bank Division One League will likely attract some more attention this weekend. Unfortunately, the action is all but over in Zones two and three where Karela FC and Dreams FC with their respective healthy 14 and 9points lead are just coasting their way to the nation’s elite soccer division.

GN Bank Division One League games came on as scheduled this past weekend with Karela FC and Dreams FC continuing their now unstoppable march to the premiership as the former drew just two wins closer and the latter effectively took Vision FC out of the chase with a 2-0 whipping to maintain their 9points advantage over the closest competition. In Zone one, the race opened up a bit wider, courtesy of Glory Stars who stalled Eleven Wonders’ progress.

The GN Bank Division One League will continue this weekend through August 08, 2017 with an intriguing and strictly top four clash in Zone one where the race is far from over and two formality matches in Zones two and three where Karela FC and Dreams FC will look to continue coasting their way to the nation’s elite division.

With as many as 5 games to the end of this year’s highly competitive Division One League season, Anyinase based Karela FC this afternoon booked their ticket to the Premiership with a 4-1 home rout of King Faisal. In Zone one, the chase got a bit tighter as B.A Utd and Techiman City drew closer in the hunt, and in Zone three Dreams FC continue to coast their way back to the premiership.

The recent tension and drama that has engulfed the GN Bank Division One League will carry over to this weekend’s games with several teams in contention for the top spot in Zone one and several others fighting to avoid relegation across all three Zone.

The road to the Premiership division and to the abyss of Division Two soccer continued this weekend with some major drama in Zone one as hitherto second placed Techiman City earned a crucial win on the road to challenge for the Zone one summit. Things got a bit muddled on the bottom with Fijai Real Utd, Eleven Wise, and Wassaman Utd unable to gain any serious traction towards staving off pending relegation as Zein FC and Dynamo FC secured their exit out of Division One soccer.

The path to tier one soccer from Zone one got less crowded ahead of Week 27 as title hopefuls – Eleven Wonders – took a second straight hit from the FA Disciplinary Committee that dropped them out of contention, leaving W. NEA Salamina, Techiman City and B. A. United as the main contenders. In Zone two, the battle to escape relegation remain foremost as five teams struggle to escape relegation. In Zone 3, Dreams FC remain in control of affairs even though they have a tough matchup this weekend.

Week 27 of the GN Bank DOL came on as scheduled this past weekend with Premier League bound Karela FC continuing their decimation of the competition, W. NEA Salamina looking like likely favorites to make it out of Zone one, and Dreams FC securing a crucial point on the road to remain in full control of their destiny.

The GN Bank Division One League will move a step closer towards the penultimate stage this weekend with Techiman City and B. A. United trying upstage W. NEA Salamina for the top spot. In Zone two, the relegation battle is all that matters as the three bottom clubs continue the battle of overcoming looming relegation. In Zone three, Dreams FC will have the chance to clinch their return to the top-flight division with a win at home this weekend and a Heart of Lions tie or defeat.

Week 28 of the GN Bank Division One League ended joyously for Zone three side, Dreams FC, as they joined Zone two side, Karela FC, as the second team to book their ticket for top-flight soccer in the land come next season. In Zone one, the battle remains far from over with W. NEA Salamina and Techiman City set to slug it out to the very hand.

Penultimate matches for Division One League - Zones two and three teams will come on at the various league centers today.

Action in the GN Bank sponsored Division One football League returned this past weekend with penultimate matches devoid of the usual fanfare.

Penultimate matches for Division One League - Zones two and three teams - came on as scheduled this past midweek. Interestingly, the developing relegation battle will stretch into the last match day of the season as Sekondi Eleven Wise was the only team that categorically sealed their exit to join Zein FC and Dynamo FC from Zone 3 as relegation bound teams.

With the exception of the match between Dunkwa Utd and Unistar Academy set for Sunday March 5th, Week 3 of the GN Bank Division One League concluded this midweek with a couple of the demoted Premier League teams playing below expectations, highly tipped contenders based on last year’s performance in the division also struggling at home and a couple of the newbies in the division performing above expectation, but it’s still a young season.

The ultimate weekend of this year’s GN Bank Division One League came to a triumphant conclusion for Zones two and three sides - Karela FC and Dreams FC - as they were officially handed their promotion papers to the elite division and a bitter end for Dunkwa Utd and Wassaman United as they joined relegation bound Eleven Wise, Dynamo FC and Zein FC into the abyss of Division One soccer.

Season ending matches for GN Bank Division one - Zone one – teams came on this midweek with winners of the zone, Premier League bound side – Techiman based Eleven Wonders - notching a second straight win in as many outings to end the season with a tally of 60points.

GN Bank Division One League season ending games for Zones two and three teams will come on as scheduled this weekend. The main order of business will be the crowning of Karela FC and Dreams FC as Champions of Zones two and three respectively, and the determination of the teams that will join relegation bound Eleven Wise, Dynamo FC and Zein FC into the abyss of Division Two soccer.

Week 4 of the GN Bank Division One League will come on as scheduled this weekend with Zone one, two and three leaders - B. A United, Karela FC and Dreams FC - facing their toughest challenge of the season yet, as Bofoakwa and Eleven Wise eye some disruption against B. A. Utd and Karela FC at home and Okyeman Planners take aim at Dreams FC at the Theatre of Dreams.

Week four of the GN Bank Division One league threw some cold water on the bluff of several teams; hitherto Zone one leaders - B. A United who picked their first loss of the season, Sekondi Hasaacas who picked up their second loss of the season, and Okyeman Planners who got pegged backed, but Karela FC, Dreams FC and Vision FC all stayed the course with victories.

The GN Bank Division One League continued into Week 5 this weekend without much significant changes in the standings in Zones one and two where the blooming four-way tie between RTU, Eleven Wonders, Bofoakwa, B.A. United held and Karela FC also maintained their 3points advantage over Dunkwa United, but Dreams FC gained a crucial 2points separation at the top over their closest competitors Vision FC.

The GN Bank Division One League will enter Week 5 this weekend with the race to the Premier League already tight across all three zones as RTU, Bofoakwa, Eleven Wonders, and B.A United all with 9points apiece look for some separation in Zone one. In Zone two, Karela FC have a 3point advantage over Dunkwa Utd and newbies Unistar Academy whilst in Zone three, Vision FC and Dreams FC are in a tough duel for the summit with 10points apiece with Heart of Lions looking in from outside with 7points.

Week 6 of the GN Bank Division One League will kick off tomorrow in midweek style with some interesting games across the various league centers with newbies Eleven Wonders flexing their muscles at home against B.A United in a top four encounter, RTU welcoming Techiman City in Zone one, King Faisal attempting to avoid back to back defeats as hosts of Karela FC who will be on the hunt for their sixth straight win in as many matches in Zone two. Okyeman Planners and Heart of Lions will hope to gain some ground for the Zone three summit.

Week 6 of the GN Bank Division one sponsored league came on as scheduled this midweek with a couple of stunning results as lowly King Faisal pipped in form Karela FC by a lone goal to end their five-game winless run, newly promoted Eleven Wonders continued their brilliant run at home as they edged past a veteran B.A United side by a lone goal for one of their better wins of the season, and Heart of Lions made up for lost ground with a 2-0 road win to stay within reach of the Zone 3 summit.

The GN Bank Division One league will continue this weekend following a brief break for the MTN FA Cup competition with leaders - RTU and Eleven Wonders – in Zone one hoping to hold on to their lead, Karela FC and Dunkwa Utd going for the rebound at home following defeats last weekend and Dreams FC looking to ward off Vision FC and Hearts of Lion from the top spot.

With a couple of exceptions; Eleven Wonders maintaining their surprising run, Nzema Kotoko holding their own on the road at Karela FC and Vision FC stunning Okyeman Planners on the road in Zones 1,2 and 3 respectively, week 9 of the GN One Division One League did not herald any significant changes as all the top teams won as expected.

The GN Bank Division One League will enter the midway point of the first half of the season this weekend with several intriguing matches across all three Zones with leaders - RTU at Bofoakwa, Karela FC at Unistar Academy and the two undefeated teams - current summit holders – Dreams FC squaring off against second placed Vision FC - in Zones 1, 2 and 3 respectively.

Week 8 of the GN Bank Division One League brought some noticeable changes in its wake that may likely play a role in which teams eventually end up qualifying for tier-one soccer across all three zones as RTU lost some ground and the top spot, Sekondi Hasaacas gained some ground on Karela FC and Dunkwa United while Vision FC ceded some serious ground to Dreams FC. But it’s still early in the season and nothing is certain in the wilderness of Division One soccer.

With seven games to the end of the first round, the race to play in the elite division got amped-up a bit this past weekend across all three zones as Real Tamale United and Karela were infected by the vagaries of playing on the road whilst Hasaacas, Dreams FC, Heart of Lions and W. NEA Salamina made some significant gains towards their title aspirations.

With the exception of newbies – Eleven Wonders – picking up a point at W. NEA Salimina, Sekondi Hasaacas moving up to the second spot, Eleven Wise tanking at home, Okyeman Planners losing at home and Dreams FC winning at home to extend their points advantage to 5 over the competition, Week 9 of the GN Bank Division One League did not bring any major surprises in its wake.

Barring any unexpected last minute hitches, the highly competitive GN Bank Division One League will kick off this weekend with forty-eight teams divided into three Zones (1,2, and 3), competing for the right to represent their respective zones in the premier division next season.

Week One of the GN Bank Division One League got underway this weekend with a mixed bag of results, especially for some of the favorite teams, as they failed to secure the expected victories at home, while some of the newly promoted teams surprised with wins at home and ties on the road.

Week 24 of the GN Bank Division One League will come off this Wednesday and Thursday, with the last game of the match day scheduled for Wednesday, August 09^th. All the attention will once again be focused on Zone one where the top spot remains wide open for the taking with Eleven Wonders and W. NEA Salamina tied for the first spot on 42points apiece with B.A. United and Real Tamale United in hot pursuit. In Zones two and three, the race is all but over given Karela and Dreams FC’s healthy lead and domination of the competition.

With just one game - Asokwa Deportivo vs Fijai Real Utd - to go, Week 24 of the GN Bank Division League produced some unexpected results. On the top end of the scale, Eleven Wonders stayed the course, whilst Karela FC and Dreams FC saw their smooth roll towards the Premier Division momentarily slowed on the road. On the bottom end, several of the relegation threatened teams did not do much to boost their survival chances.

Accra Gt. Olympics’ quest for a quick turnaround to the Premier League seems to be on full course following the recent GFA Disciplinary Committee ruling that awarded them the full spoils from their match day 27 encounter against Amidaus Professionals following the latter’s use of unqualified players for the match that enabled the Dade Boys to open a 4point lead atop the Zone 3 log with 2 games to the end of the season, thus putting them in control of their destiny and making their path to the PL division largely theirs to lose as games in the division come on this weekend with Amidaus, King Solomon and Roberto FC relegated to Division Two.

Gt. Olympics will have the chance to clinch the top spot in the zone as well as seal their qualification for next season’s Premier League on the road this weekend as guests of Mighty Jets who are one spot off mid-table and can likely play spoilers to postpone Olympics’ coronation. Olympics won the first encounter by two goals to nothing and look capable of wrapping up the zone this weekend if they give it their all at the expense of Mighty Jets who saw their 3 game unbeaten run crash at the Lions this past weekend. Heart of Lions will definitely be disappointed at the recent turn of events after their hurried and remarkable 5 game unbeaten run - 4 wins and a tie - that saw them make a strong push for the top spot, but they will have no choice but to keep the pressure on with a road win over mid-tablers Istanbul FC should the unexpected happen to derail Olympics’ chances. And same goes for the precocious third placed Okyeman Planners who will play as guests of relegated King Solomon FC.

Vision FC’s quest for a top four finish does not seem to be under any threat as they play as guests of sixth placed Danbort FC who just ended a miserable 5 game winless run at the expense of demoted Roberto FC, and 5^th placed Okwawu Utd who haven’t won a Division One game on the field since match day 22 may have the chance to do just that at the expense of relegated Amidaus who will be hell bent on giving their home fans something to smile about before they take off for Division Two soccer.

Elsewhere, one time relegation threatened Pure Joy will take on the relegated Roberto FC who last won on match day 15 at home, Nania FC will welcome Tema Youth and Sporting Mirren will take on Kotoku Royals at home.

DAY 29 - 24TH & 25TH SEPT., 2016

SAT        LEGON                                   NANIA VS TEMA YOUTH              

SAT        TEMA                                     AMIDAUS VS OKWAWU UTD.   

SUN       AQUINAS                                SPORTING MIRREN VS KOTOKU ROYALS              

SAT        MATS, TESHIE                        MIGHTY JETS VS OLYMPICS        

SUN       AKIM TAKYIMAN                      ISTANBUL VS LIONS       

SAT        NUNGUA                                 DANBORT VS VISION     

SUN       PRAMPRAM                             PURE JOY VS ROBERTO 

SUN       KWAHU PRASO                       KING SOLOMON VS PLANNERS

© 2016 ABENA ALICE/MYGHANALINKS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Follow @myghanalinks on Twitter and like us on Facebook

Stars of the Upper East - Bolgatanga based Bolga All Stars - this afternoon ended the Upper East’s region lack of representation in the country’s top flight soccer division as they punched the last of three tickets available to GN Bank Division One League teams to play in next season’s Premier League after emerging winners of Zone One following their impressive 2-0 road win over Tamale Utrecht in the final game of the season played at the Tamale Academy Park.

The Ghana Football Association Disciplinary Committee has corrected an obvious error in its earlier decision on Mighty Royals’ protest against Berlin FC in accordance with Article 97 of the Disciplinary Code.

In its earlier ruling, the FA Disciplinary Committee found Berlin FC guilty as charged, annulled the results of the match day 27 game which Berlin FC won at home by three goals to one and per the FA Disciplinary committee’s rules awarded the mandated 3points and 3 goals to Mighty Royals. The ruling vaulted Mighty Royals to the summit of the GN Bank Division One Zone Three league table.

Related: GN Bank DOL: Mighty Royals win protest against Berlin FC, take over top spot

In light of the corrected ruling, part of which read;

The Committee therefore makes the following decisions:

1. That having failed to establish that Berlin FC had fully paid the fines before they played in the GN Bank Division One League (Zone 1) game between Berlin FC and Wamanafo Mighty Royal FC, the Protest of Wamanafo Mighty Royal FC is hereby dismissed in accordance with Article 37(16) of the GFA General Regulations.

2. That consequently the match result shall stand.

3. That no cost shall be awarded.

… the original result of the match day 27 game which Berlin FC won by three goals to one stands. Mighty Royals have dropped to the second spot on the log with RTU back on top and a point ahead of the latter.

See attached pdf for FA’s full decision and ruling.

PDF download and league table courtesy of ghanafa.org

Wonder Club - Accra Gt. Olympics’ - quest to return to the Premier League division got a major boost this past Monday after their protest against Amidaus Professionals for fielding an unqualified player in their Match Day 27 match was upheld by the FA Disciplinary Committee.

Gt. Olympics lost the Day 27 encounter to the relegation threatened Amidaus by two goals to three but filed a protest against their hosts for fielding two unqualified players; Musah Sani and Adam Suleman.

On Musah Sani (player in jersey number 8), Accra Great Olympics FC contended that the player received yellow cards in Match Days 13, 19 and 26 of the GN Bank Division League. The Petitioner stated that the player should not have been fielded against Accra Great Olympics FC in the Match Day 27 match.

In the case of Adam Suleman (player in jersey number 32), Accra Great Olympics FC contended that the player received yellow cards in Match Days 17, 20 and 26 of the GN Bank Division League. The Petitioner stated that the player should not have been fielded against Accra Great Olympics FC in the Match Day 27 match.

Accra Gt. Olympics attached caution statements from the Division One League Board to support their case and consequently, demanded that by the application of Article 34(1)(e) of the General Regulations of the GFA the match points should be awarded in their favour.

In its ruling, the Disciplinary Committee gave several decisions including the following;

1. That for fielding the two unqualified players, Musah Sani (player in jersey number 8) and Adam Suleman (player in jersey number 32) in the Match Day 27 match, Amidaus Professionals FC shall forfeit the match in accordance with Article 34(1)(e) of the General Regulations of the GFA.

2. That having been found to have forfeited the match, Amidaus Professionals FC shall be considered as having lost the match in accordance with Article 34(2) and accordingly, three (3) points and three (3) goals are hereby awarded in favour of Accra Great Olympics FC in accordance with Articles 34(2) and 34(10) of the General Regulations of the GFA.

Consequently, Gt. Olympics who had a point advantage over the pursuing Heart of Lions and Okyeman Planners opened a 4point gap atop the Division One Zone 3 log and thus have to win just one of their next two remaining matches to win their zone and a return to tier-one soccer.

The result of the ruling did not bode well for the relegation threatened Amidaus Professionals whose total points tally for the season dropped to 25, and will not be able to make it out of the drop zone should they win their remaining two matches as the current tally for the first safe spot held by Pure Joy is 34 points. Amidaus thus join the already relegated King Solomon and Roberto FC to the abyss of Division Two soccer.

In a related development Gt. Olympics’ protest against Okyeman Planners for fielding an unqualified player in their match against Danbort FC was dismissed by the FA Disciplinary Committee.

Sea attachments below.

© 2016 ABENA ALICE/ALBERT KOTEY/MYGHANALINKS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Follow @myghanalinks on Twitter and like us on Facebook

GN Bank Division One League sides - Karela FC and Dreams FC – were formally declared winners of Zones Two and Three respectively following the final round of matches played on Sunday.

Berlin FC have been declared losers of their GN Bank Division One League Match Day 27 match against Mighty Royals for failing to pay a fine to the GFA on or before the 14-day deadline.

Berlin FC won the match which was played at Techiman by three goals to one.

Related: GN Bank DOL: FA Disciplinary Committee corrects decision on Mighty Royals protest against Berlin, RTU back on top

According to the petitioners – Mighty Royals – the respondents in the case – Berlin FC have failed to pay fines imposed on them on or before the fourteen day deadline in contravention of Article 39(8)(d) of the General Regulations of the GFA and of Article 7(c) of the DOL Special Regulations of the GFA as at the date of playing the Match Day 27 match against the Petitioner on Sunday, August 28, 2016

Citing instances, the Petitioner alleged that on August 8, 2016 the GFA Disciplinary Committee fined Berlin FC an amount of Two Thousand and Five Hundred Ghana Cedis (Ghc 2,500 for fielding an unqualified player in the person of Emmanuel Infalingu who was serving a ban against Bolga All Stars FC.

The Petitioner consequently, prayed that Berlin FC should be declared losers of the match and the three points awarded in favor of Wamanafo Mighty Royals FC as stipulated by the GFA Disciplinary Committee rules.

Consequently, Mighty Royals have therefore been declared winners of their Day 27 match.

Berlin FC has three days to protest the decision if they find it dissatisfactory.

The result of the ruling moved Mighty Royals back into the top spot with a two point advantage over hitherto leaders Tamale Real United.

In another ruling pertaining to the Division One scene, this time in zone three, Okwawu United have won their protest against Roberto FC and have been granted the three points and three goals accordingly. Roberto FC failed to show up for their match day 23 match scheduled for Nkawkaw without a just cause.

GN Bank Division One zone one league matches have currently being suspended as the GFA investigates an alleged case of bribery between Brong Ahafo United and Bolga All Stars.

See below for a downloadable copy of the ruling.

UPDATE - The FA Disciplinary Committee has since corrected and reversed it's ruling. Below is a links to that story

Related: GN Bank DOL: FA Disciplinary Committee corrects decision on Mighty Royals protest against Berlin, RTU back on top

Log and pdf material courtesy of ghanafa.org

GN Bank Division One footballer, Festus ‘Nuke’ Nutakor, who plays for Sporting Mirren FC, has bemoaned the current fate of footballers in the country.

Hitherto second placed GN Bank Division One League side - Eleven Wonders - saw their title hopes take a huge and likely irreversible hit as they were declared losers of their Week 19 match against Techiman City FC.