In what many now describe as the Northern Derby for Women football, Northern Ladies faces stumbling neighbour Pearlpia Ladies in Friday afternoon at the Aliu Mahama Stadium.
One of the most historic club rivalries in Women Football in Ghana, matches between the two clubs has become even hotter in recent years.
What’s more, this weekend’s game could have a huge say in the title race.
Pearlpia Ladies comes into the game one point clear behind Prisons Ladies in second place after last weekend’s victory over Kumasi Sports Academy. Northern Ladies, meanwhile, is now four points behind in fourth spot so realistically needs to win at the Aliu Mahama Stadium to keep its title hopes alive.
Last weekend saw Bashirudeen Sumani’s side overcome a frustrating challenge after their team bus was involved in an accident on their way to Kumasi to play Fabulous Ladies.
Pearlpia are second in the Northern Zone table’ with nine points from their last four outings and are especially strong at home, with two wins and one away win.
Meanwhile, home form has been an issue for coach Bashiru’s team. Northern Ladies has won just one of the Women Premier League games on the road so far.
Coach Sumani Bashirudeen’s side has an excellent record against Pearlpia recently though, however, winning three and drawing three of its last six meetings. The last time the two sides met in the Normalization Special Competition, Northern Ladies win both legs.
But Baba Nuhu Mallam’s recent form posses a threat to his opposing side who have won one and drawn two of the four league games played so far.
By: Sey Mubarick
