7 years in the wilderness, Real Tamale United make a return to Premier League

Real Tamale United have secured a return to the Ghana Premier League for the first time in seven years since suffering relegation in the 2013-14 season. They made the triumphant return by edging out Bofokwa Tano in a neck-to-neck race that ended after the final whistle on the matchday 30 fixture of the season.

Their hard-fought qualification was sealed when they beat Unity FC 2-0 on the final day of the season at Tamale and league leaders Bofoakwa were held to a goalless draw away to Berejum Arsenal. RTU relinquished the top spot of the table to Tano near the tail-end of the season after the latter had a protest against Unity FC ruled in their favour. They surpassed RTU and led with a 2-point advantage heading into the final week fixture which required RTU to win and hope for a helping hand from Arsenal.

A 35th-minute goal by Yakubu Labandow set the tone for the day as RTU took their last aim at promotion. One goal soon turned two when Yakubu decided not to cease haunting the opposition and added his second for the day in the 41st minute. They went for the break with RTU on top of the league following a goalless 45 minutes between Arsenal and Bofoakwa Tano.

The Tamale-based club did not add to their two goals but that was enough to secure them the ultimate as Tano painfully settled for the draw at Arsenal to cede the sole slot in Zone one of the Division One League to the Northern Region giants.

They join Zone Two champions Bibiani Goldstars FC and Accra Lions FC of Zone Three in the Premier League for the 2021-22 season replacing relegated Inter Allies, Liberty Professionals and Ebusua Dwarfs in the 18-team league.

By: Clifford Adumbire | myactiveonline.com