GPL first round set for dramatic climax

There will be everything to play for when the Ghana Premier League enters its last round of matches of the first half of the season on Saturday and Sunday.

Interestingly, all top five teams are in with a chance of finishing the first round on top of the standings, and this expectedly sets the tone for a fascinating crop of fixtures.

Leaders All Stars are just two goals separated from Hearts of Oak with whom they are tied on 25 points. The Wa-based side face an uphill task to maintain their spot when they play away to Berekum Chelsea at the Golden City Park on Saturday. The Blues have lost just once at home since December 2012.

Hearts, meanwhile, play newly-promoted Dreams FC away at the Dawu Park on Sunday.

Aduana Stars, Liberty Professionals and Asante Kotoko sit third, fourth and fifth respectively, and tied on 23 points, each have a chance to go top of the standings should results elsewhere go their way.

Aduana play as guests to 13-placed Bechem United in Dormaa, while Liberty host struggling Dwarfs at the Dansoman Carl Reindorf Park. The Scientific Soccer Lads also have an outstanding fixture, and victory in both games will move them to the top.

Kotoko, on the other hand, welcome new boys Techiman City to the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

At the Obuasi Len Clay Stadium, reigning champions Ashanti Gold will be chasing their third win of the season in their home fixture with Wafa.

And finally in Sekondi, Hasaacas will hope to return to winning ways, following midweek’s stalemate at Bechem, with victory over Inter Allies at the Essipong Sports Stadium.

New Edubiase’s encounter with Medeama has been left in the balance due to the former’s withdrawal from the topflight on financial grounds on Friday.