GPL team of the week

Latif Blessing of Liberty Professionals and Abdul Wahab Hanan of New Edubiase made it into the GHANAsoccernet.com Team of the Week for the first time since the commencement of the league.

Saddick Adam, Samuel Yeboah and Razak Abalora all made a return after missing out since Match Day 1 while Kadri Mohammed maintained his position in the team.

Coach Kenichi Yatsuhashi of Accra Hearts of Oak won the coach of the week for the second time after winning it in week two.

The system for the week is 4:4:2

Razak Abalora GK [WAFA]

The exploits of Razak is gradually attracting attention as he was able to stand between the post to avoid an avalanche of goals for the visitors. Aduana Stars charged over the young WAFA side after going three matches without a win but Razak Abalora’s saves ensured that the visitors lost respectably. The CEO of Aduana Stars could not hold it but to clap for the U20 goalie on a number of occasions.

Godfred Saka [Aduana]

The veteran defender has been missing from our team of the week for three weeks but has made a strong case for himself after fetching the only goal for Aduana Stars capped with a stupendous performance. His surging runs on the flanks and his expertly taken set pieces placed WAFA in an uncomfortable position compelling them to conceded that lone goal.

Abdul Bashiru [Dreams FC]

The performance of the veteran defender was splendid in their 1-1 stalemate with Wa All Stars at the Theatre of Dreams on Saturday. He rose to emerge the player of the match and forced Black Stars coach Avram Grant to applaud him on numerous occasions. The Dreams FC captain led the team gallantly but for the stubbornness of Wahidu Mumuni, the home side would have secured all three points. Notwithstanding Abdul Bashiru was outstanding in the game.

Kadri Mohammed [AshGold]

As the only player who maintained his position in the team from last week, Kadri Mohammed rose to the occasion and scored the equalizer for the visitors at Essipong when Eric Bekoe had shot Hasaacas in front. The utility defender who sometimes play defensive midfield was the main barrier between Hasaacas and goals. He shielded his post well and defended every attack initiated by Hasaacas. He is the reason Eric Bekoe had to be substituted.

Nnamdi Kingsley [Inter Allies]

The best game of the season for New Edubiase was Sunday’s clash with Inter Allies but Nnamdi neutralized their defense such that Fuseini Zubeiru’s influence in the game was limited. Nnamdi expertly cut the Edubiase attack and made them usesless on numerous attempts. The defensive exploits of the Nigerian on the day was apt to deny the dreaded New Edubiase the maximum three points.

Abdul Wahad Hanan [Edubiase]

After emerging the runner up in the MTN Soccer Academy last year, little has been seen of Hanan since he joined New Edubiase but yesterday was for him. He manned the midfield with strength and intelligence as well as orchestrating tailor-measured passes but Zubeiru could do little to convert for the home side. Hannan did not only emerge the Man of the Match but also showed maturity and deep sense of thinking both on and off the ball.

Latif Blessing [Liberty]

It appears to many people that Latif has taken a long time to appear in the team of the week, but he is eventually here. If a player could ensure that an opponent is toothless in a game, then it is Latif Blessing. The dribbling skills of the 18-year old is just admirable coupled with his long passing technique. Blessing fetched the only goal of the game for Liberty over Techiman City and won the Man-of-the-Match too.

Zakaria Mumuni [Aduana]

Usually comfortable on the flanks, Zakaria adopted very well in the offensive midfield role given him by Cioaba Aristica. Zakaria showed he was a former player of WAFA but for the brilliance of Razak Abalora, Zakaria could have found his name on the score sheet but had a consolation as he ended up with the MVP award after the game.

Saddick Adams [Chelsea]

The revival of the career of Saddick Adams has started on a very bright note. He is one chap who has lighted the attack of Berekum Chelsea even after the absence of Kofi Owusu and Richard Baffour. Saddick scored two goals yesterday against Asante Kotoko within three minutes and went ahead to win the MVP after the 90 minutes. He now has three goals in four matches.

Samuel Yeboah [Hearts]

Samuel Yeboah’s energy in the game against Bechem United on Sunday was a surprise to many as many had complained about his age before joining Hearts. After scoring the opener, Yeboah came close to scoring on two occasions but was denied by Ernest Adu, the goalie of Bechem United. The clinical finisher was the reason Ernest Adu had to discontinue the game after he forced a save from Yeboah.

Isaac Mensah [Hearts]

Emerging the Man-of-the-Match was no fluke as the 19-year old Isaac Mensah was the main architect of the Bechem United defeat. Dubbed Ashiaman Messi, Mensah lived up to his accolade by tormenting the Bechem United defense with his intelligent and swift dribbling skills. He assisted Samuel Yeboah’s first goal and was the one who assisted the corner kick that brought Hearts second goal.