Nigerien international Vitorien Adebayor announced his arrival in the Ghana Premier League by registering a brace for Inter Allies in their 3-0 win over Bechem United while Felix Annan pulled brilliant saves to ensure Asante Kotoko were not handed another humiliating defeat at the hands of WAFA at the Red Bull Arena.
Veteran striker Alex Asamoah grabbed the equalizer in Techiman to hand newly promoted side Techiman City a point from giants Hearts of Oak while Kwame Boateng replicated his scoring form in pre-season to give Medeama a win over stubborn Karela FC in a local derby.
Coach Kenichi Yatsuhashi and Inter Allies emerged the coach and club of the week respectively for lashing Bechem United 3-0 in the league opener.
The system for the week is 4:4:2.
- Felix Annan (GK) – Kotoko: Even though Annan conceded an early goal which came to him as a surprise from the foot of Ghana U17 star Aminu Mohammed, he made amends by saving the Reds from defeat. Annan pulled over 4 vital saves including a wicked deflection from his defender which could have handed WAFA all three points.
- Fatawu Mohammed – Hearts: Fatawu was phenomenal for the Phobians. He won a lot of second balls from their opponent and was very apt with his crossing. He defended very well and supported the attack when necessary. His recovery was not bad.
- Francis Boateng – WAFA: One of the quietest players on the field against Asante Kotoko but executed his job with intelligence and alacrity. He forced the Kotoko wingers to be alternating from one end to the other as none was able to create opportunities at his end. He was resolute and showed great technique in ball distribution.
- Masahudu Abdallai – Dreams FC: If there is one player who really stood between Elmina Sharks and the Dreams FC goal, it was Masahudu. He was strong, aggressive and won a lot of balls on one-on-one situations. He was apt in aerial ball situations. His aggression and tenacity was a positive addition for Dreams FC.
- Isahaku Konda – Wa All Stars: The 2016 Ghana Premier League champions lost by a lone goal to AshGold at the Len Clay Stadium but the goals could have been more without Konda. He fought like a beast to deny the Miners more goals after the opener. He stopped Shafiwu Mumuni on several occasions and also cleared a lot of dangerous situations.
- Jean Vital – Karela FC: They are new in the Ghana Premier League but Jean was just a delight to watch. Strong and resolute in midfield, his passes were accurate and he never lost a challenge. His roly-poly stature was a huge advantage as he bullied his opponents to every challenge. He emerged Man of the Match.
- Vitorien Adebayor – Inter Allies: Playing in the Ghana Premier League for the first time, Adebayor did not show signs of naivety. He stole the show at the Tema Stadium, bagged brace for the home side and won the MVP for his stupendous show.
- Omar Bashiru – WAFA: There was no Gideon Waja and Majeed Ashmeru in the WAFA side but Omar Bashiru ensured the two were not missed. He was sharp in his distribution and tackling. He surging runs were excruciating as he proved a handful for the Kotoko duo of Jackson Owusu and Jordan Opoku.
- Alex Asamoah – Eleven Wonders: The veteran attacker lived by his words by scoring for the newly promoted side to secure a point when Hearts were in the lead. He was the chief tormentor of the Hearts defence and emerged the Man of the Match.
- Kwame Boateng – Medeama SC: Kwame Boateng replicated his scoring form in pre-season to give Medeama a win over stubborn Karela FC in a local derby. He was too much for the Karela defenders to handle as he tormented them for the entire duration of the game.
- Benjamin Tweneboah – Elmina Sharks: Tweneboah was superb in the clash against Dreams FC. He masterminded a lot of Dangerous attacks but Masahudu was just up to the task. He was smart and swift as usual on the flanks, he made dangerous crosses and showed excellent skills.
By: Sheikh Tophic Sienu @desheikh1 on twitter