Start of 2021-2022 Ghana Premier League ends in 1-1 draw between Accra Lions and Elmina Sharks
Ghana Premier League for 2021-2022 season started on Friday night with Accra Lions welcoming Elmina Sharks to the Accra Sports Stadium.
The season’s opener breed entertaining 1-1 draw with Elmina Sharks scoring first in the second half before the home side leveled later. While Sharks took the lead to make the road straight for their first Ghana Premier League victory of the season, the home side fought back to gain first point in Ghana’s top flight.
With much expectation from both ends, where Accra Lions taste their first Premier League football after gaining promotion from Division One Zone Three last season, a win was a necessity to spark their maiden campaign as every club wish to have good journey in their first season.
Sharks at the receiving end knee on baptizing Accra Lions in the Ghana Premier League but failed to keep their lead with Rauf Salifu striking to deny all three points.
Last season, Elmina Sharks were two places above relegation after placing 15th on the table with 10 wins from 34 league games. This season there has been the push for a top four finish signing experienced players to achieve that feat.
Accra Lions boss Andreas Rainer Kraft handed debut starts to Rich Sackey and Abass Samari Salifu who was subbed off in the 24th minute after picking up an injury. The German International also named Oliver Amedor, Frederick Asante, Abdul Fatawu Hamidu in his XI and deadly man Rauf Salifu led the line.
Sharks head coach Nii Odartey Lamptey named Joseph Essam in posts as Lord Bawa Martey took the bench for a second choice slot.
Former Asante Kotoko and TP Mazembe midfielder Daniel Nii Adjei started for Sharks while new signings Emmanuel Adjetey, Michelle Sarpong, Dominic Eshun, Ebenezer Adu-Kwaw and Enock Agblenyo were in action against Lions.
Today’s fixture started on slow note though but was entertaining with both teams gradually warmed themselves properly later. There were no plenty clear scoring opportunities but Lions goalkeeper Appiah Kubi produced two spectacular saves to deny Sharks the opener as the first half ended in goalless draw.
Accra Lions never showed like a side who are playing the GPL first time and troubled Sharks with their calmness on the ball.
They were delight to watch with their accuracy in passing but lack the sharp edge to fire into the lead after first half. Meanwhile, Sharks got their chances but never converted them.
Early in the second half, Elmina Sharks nearly broke the deadlock with a nice effort from the right flank, after being connected from inside the box, missed the posts by inches.
It was a nice piece of work from the away side with the final delivery into the box nearly scored from inside the 12-yard area but Sharks forward’s half volley missed the target narrowly.
Having appeared slightly the better side from start of the second half, Elmina Sharks took the lead on the 64th minute through former Hearts of Oak man Michelle Sarpong. He scored from a rebound after Lions keeper failed to save his team in the air.
Lions improve their performance during the later part and finally drew level after their Division One League top scorer Rauf Salifu scored from similar incident when it was Eight minutes to full time.
Salifu sparked Lions to the Ghana Premier League after netting 21 goals in the Division One League.
Sharks captain and central defender Ishmael Hammond was named man of the match after an outstanding display.
