Del Writes: Margin for error evaporates in GPL title race and crabs fight in survival bucket
If you’re Ibrahim Tanko, you’ll be thinking “no more slipping” at this crucial juncture, especially after winning what many described as the “title decider.”
But that’s exactly what makes the Ghana Premier League (GPL) so peculiar to any other league in the world. Today, a team wins what should be a title-winning clash. Tomorrow, the people of Berekum are crashing their hypothetical title parade and stealing their joy.
A story league leaders Medeama SC can so relate to in the past week. After Salim Adams turned up against Bibiani Gold Stars with two set-piece goals to down the Miners in Tarkwa on Sunday, May 3, 2026, many would have predicted the league title chase was over.
After all, there were only four games to go, and the Yellow and Mauve had opened up a five-point lead. Fair prediction, really. However, the rescheduled Matchweek 30 fixtures had something up their sleeves for the early party leavers.
When Kelvin Nkrumah struck just 11 minutes into the game at the Golden City Park on Wednesday, the Medeama faithful were elated, and not even the most staunch followers or pundits had a comeback predicted for Berekum Chelsea. But so did it happen with Seidu Abubakar and Jonah Attuquaye giving the hosts a lifeline in their relegation battle.
That lifeline was also extended to Bibiani Gold Stars, who coasted past FC Samartex 1996 courtesy of an early brace from Michael Nkoah to re-enter the title race. As if that lifeline wasn’t enough, the Miners don’t have to go digging deep for another three points as their game against Hohoe United has been declared forfeited after the latter’s withdrawal.
Classic Ghana Premier League twist. This means they’re guaranteed another three points even without kicking a ball, while their title rivals have to travel to face the second-best home side in the topflight.
Basake Holy Stars are on an 11-game winning streak at the AAK Ampain II Sports Arena. In fact, the last time they dropped points at home was against Vision FC some six months ago. That game ended 1-1 on November 16, 2025.
A search for a needle in a haystack for Tanko and his boys. Moreso for a side who have only won once as visitors in 2026.
Another slip-up means Bibiani Gold Stars will leapfrog them before the final two games. The Miners’ penultimate game will be on the road against Dreams FC at the Tuba AstroTurf before hosting already relegated Eleven Wonders at Dun’s Park in what is already a win before the whistle blows.
For Medeama, their last two clashes are very tricky. First, they welcome Heart of Lions, who need points to avoid the drop zone, and then face Hearts of Oak in Accra on the final day.
Albeit they must first cross the Basake test on Sunday Special.
At the bottom, it’s even more intense with only one relegation spot left after Eleven Wonders’ condemnation and Hohoe United’s withdrawal.
And in typical GPL fashion, even the ninth-placed team is not entirely safe yet. Only five points separate 16th-placed Vision FC and Bechem United in ninth-place.
It’s even more complex when you realise the point gap between teams placed 16th to 11th is only a single point as you ascend the league log. And if that isn’t cracking enough, wait until you find out that there’ll be clashes between the bottom eight teams from now till the final day.
Mathematically, only the top four teams are certainly safe.
The last three games should be fun, and you know that definitely there will be “ways and means” involved. Order more popcorn for this blockbuster.
