DOL Analysis: Real Tamale United chances of making a Premier League return
A club which has produced arguably the finest and greatest footballer in the history of Ghana Abedi Ayew Pele, and some others including Abubakari Damba, Hamza Mohammed and Mohammed Gargo has struggled to make a Premier League return since being relegated from the Ghanaian topflight in 2013.
Real Tamale United since their Relegation in 2013 from the Premier League has struggled to make a return, but this season they have up their game which is why we are doing a carefully analysis of their season to see if they still has a chance of making it back to the Ghanaian topflight despite their current position.
The team is currently on 4th position in the Zone One standings with 24 points from 13 league matches played so far. They are behind teams such as, Bofoakwa Tano, Steadfast Fc and leaders Berekum Arsenals with only three points separating them from the table leaders who are having 27 points.
In those 13 games they have played, they have won seven of them, losing three and drawing three.
They have played seven away matches, in those seven matches, they have won three representing 42.8%, drawing two which represents 28.6% and losing two which also represents 28.6%.
They won 0-1 against Kintampo FC, 0-1 against Young Apostles and 0-1 against Paga Crocodiles.
Their away record this season has been far from bad, as this season has been their best since their relegation from the Premier League in 2013. They have an 11 away points out of a possible 21 points.
Also, the team has also been doing massively well at home, they have recorded four home wins from six games, losing 0-1 against arch rivals Tamale City FC and also drawing one against Techiman City.
The win percentage represents an impressive 66.6%, which looks good for a team that wants to get back to play topflight football.
Should they do well in their next two games, they could be topping the league table before the end of the first round, as they will be playing against Gbewaa FC and Unity FC, and both games are expected wins for the Pride of the north.
They will be honouring ten games at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium when the second round begins, out of those ten games, three will be against City rivals, Tamale City, Steadfast and Gbewaa FC.
For Real Tamale United to be assured of qualification they will need to get atleast six points against their City rivals, they have lost two of their derby games this season against Tamale City and Steadfast Fc, and tomorrow will be playing Gbewaa FC who are battling for relegation.
Also, they will be playing Mighty Royals at home, the Royals are also in contention for the Premiership slot and are currently at 5th place, for Real Tamale United to make it back they will have to record a win against the Royals. They lost the first leg against them and will also have to do same if they really needs want to qualify.
Another tough game awaiting them at home will be against Bofoakwa Tano, they drew 2-2 against them but they currently are on 3rd place with their player Welbeck Takyi leading the goal scoring chat, they will have to win or get a point against them to boost their chances.
Another tough game for Shaibu Tanko’s men, is a trip away to face Berekum Arsenals whom they recorded a convincing 3-0 victory against at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium.
The other away games are not matches they must lose considering their away record this season.
The remaining four away matches are Wa- Suntaa SC whom they beat at home, Techiman City is also a team they failed to beat at home and will have to avoid a defeat when they travel to play them at the Rawlings Park, they also won 3-0 against B. A. United at home. And finally Nkoranza worriors whom they also recorded a 2-1 victory against.
Should they managed to get nine points out of the possible fifteen points away from home, they are likely to grow their chances of qualifying.
Also, in the ten matches that they will be playing at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in the second round, if they managed to avoid defeat against Tamale City, Steadfast, Bofoakwa Tano and Mighty royals, it is likely for Coach Shaibu Tanko and his RTU team to head back to the Premiership.
They must atleast get twenty points from the ten matches.
Should they managed to get 20 points at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium, 9 points away and win their remaining two games against Yendi Gbewaa FC and Unity FC in the first round, it will all sum up to 36 points which when added to their current 24 points, will accumulate to 60 points which depending on other clubs performances will be enough to guarantee them the top spot, which will see them make a return to the Ghanaian topflight.
By Saaka Yakubu Issah