At the Robert Mensah Stadium in Cape Coast on Sunday, two struggling clubs in the Ghana Premier League, Ebusua Dwarfs and Ashgold, will lock horns in a fierce battle to redeem themselves.
Call it a tale of two under-pressure coaches and you will not be far from that. Veteran Coaches Bashir Hayford and JE Sarpong have had a voyage similar to Gulliver’s Travels this season in the Premier League.
Dwarfs, on a return to the top flight after a one year absence, have failed to convince the people of Oguaaman of a prolonged stay in the league for at least another year.
After a shocking opening day defeat to league debutants Dreams FC at home, the club has not climbed out of the last 4 places on the league table after picking up just 8 points out of a possible 27 (2W/2D/5L).
The only positives from their season ahead of this game, is their recent fairly good form at home.
Two wins from their last two games at Siwdu has provided a gleam of hope that the Abontuabontua will upstage the Miners.
Past records against Ashgold
One thing they should pray for also is a repetition of their previous meetings with Ashgold SC in Cape Coast. The ‘Abontuabontua’ have won their last 2 home matches in the league against the Miners.
Further aiding Dwarfs’ push for a win is the wave of troubles within the Ashgold setup.
The defending league champions remain unconvincing and undetermined for a title defence after picking up just 2 wins in their first 9 matches.
This trend has piled a heap of pressure at the doorstep of Head coach Bashir Hayford with reports suggesting the former Medeama, Kotoko and Kessben FC coach will be axed should he suffer a loss on Sunday.
As if that ends it, the club’s supporters have in recent times boycotted their home games and are sure to leave them lonely for their trip to Cape Coast.
The agitations of the fans have bordered on an exit for club CEO, Kudjoe Fianoo, Head coach Bashir Hayford and other management members who they feel are the main architects of the club’s failures.
MATCH FACTS:
Dwarfs have failed to score in 6 out of their last 9 matches in the league, the most by any club in the league.
Dwarfs (16th) and New Edubiase (14th) have scored the fewest goals in the league (6).
However, 83% of Dwarfs’ league goals have come from home and have been scored in their last 2 home games.
Dwarfs 3-1 Inter Allies
Dwarfs 2-1 Techiman City
Dwarfs are chasing their third consecutive home win in the league for the first time since 2014.
Dwarfs 4-0 Amidaus (Tema based team)
Dwarfs 1-0 Aduana Stars (Brong ahafo based team)
Dwarfs 2-1 Ashgold (Obuasi based team)
Will the trend repeat itself?
Dwarfs 3-1 Inter Allies… (Tema Based Team)
Dwarfs 2-1 Techiman City… (Brong Ahafo based team)
Dwarfs vs Ashgold… (Obuasi based team)
Ashgold Match facts
Ashgold’s last 2 away matches ironically have come at the Obuasi Len Clay Stadium against New Edubiase.
Their record in the last 16 away matches stand at 2W/6D/8L with 13 goals scored and 24 goals conceded.
The Miners’ last away win against a team outside Obuasi came 450 days ago against Liberty Professionals.
DWARFS vs ASHGOLD HEAD TO HEAD SINCE 2010
Dwarfs: 3 Wins
Ashgold: 4 Wins
1 Draw
At home, Dwarfs have suffered one defeat in 4 matches against Ashgold in this period, winning the remaining 3.
That sole victory however happened in Sekondi; on May 27th 2012 with a brace from Yakubu Mohammed ensuring a 2-0 result for the Miners.
Until now, Dwarfs’ only league defeat to Ashgold at home (Cape-Coast) since 2000 happened on April 20th 2005 (4029 days ago)
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By: Michael Asare Boadu/Cape FM/Citifmonlie.com/Ghana