Introduction

The 2025/26 Women’s Premier League (WPL) season has reached a pivotal moment as the first round of matches in the Southern Zone concludes. In a highly competitive campaign defined by narrow margins and emerging talents, Army Ladies have emerged as the front-runners, securing the top spot on the log following a decisive match week. This comprehensive analysis breaks down the current standings, key match results, and the tactical implications for the second round of the Ghanaian women’s football season.

As the league table takes shape, the race for the championship title is heating up, with traditional powerhouses and ambitious newcomers all vying for supremacy. From the Security Service derby victories to late-game heroics in Takoradi, the first round has set the stage for a thrilling continuation of the WPL Southern Zone campaign.

Key Points

Background

The Women’s Premier League in Ghana is the pinnacle of women’s football in the country, divided into two geographic zones: the Southern Zone and the Northern Zone. The 2025/26 season has garnered significant attention due to the increasing competitiveness of the league and the development of young talent feeding into the national team, the Black Queens.

The Structure of the League

Typically, the league operates on a home-and-away basis, where teams play each other twice within their zone before the top sides advance to the championship playoffs. The first round is critical as it establishes momentum and identifies early relegation candidates. For the Southern Zone, the competition is particularly fierce, featuring a mix of military teams, police units, and community-based clubs.

Pre-season Expectations

Coming into the 2025/26 season, teams like Hasaacas Ladies and Police Ladies were viewed as strong contenders based on their historical performances. However, the emergence of Army Ladies as a consistent force has shifted the dynamics. Furthermore, the inclusion of “newbies” like Oak Ladies added an element of unpredictability, as established teams often struggle to adapt to the high energy and tactical naivety of newly promoted sides.

Analysis

The conclusion of the first round offers a clear snapshot of the hierarchy within the Southern Zone. The battle for the top spot is not just about points, but about psychological momentum.

Army Ladies: The New Frontrunners

Army Ladies’ ascent to the top of the table is a testament to their defensive solidity and clinical finishing. Their 2-1 victory over Soccer Intellectuals was not just a win; it was a statement. In a league where goals can be hard to come by, finding the back of the net twice against a disciplined Intellectuals side demonstrates offensive capability. The “Security Service” derby is always intense, and navigating that pressure to secure three points puts Army Ladies in the driver’s seat.

The Jonina Ladies Setback

Jonina Ladies, who were previously leading or chasing closely, suffered a significant blow by being held to a 0-0 draw by Oak Ladies. For a team chasing the title, dropping points against a newly promoted side is often what separates champions from contenders. This result allowed Army Ladies to leapfrog them. The match at the Pobiman Sports Complex highlighted the difficulty of breaking down organized defenses, a lesson Jonina must learn quickly before the second round begins.

Hasaacas Ladies: The Late Drama

Hasaacas Ladies remain the dark horses of the title race. Their 1-0 win over Samartex Ladies in Takoradi was a classic “grind it out” performance. Scoring a late winner is a hallmark of a team with championship mentality. The fact that defender Abiba Issah scored the decider is encouraging; it shows that contributions are coming from all areas of the pitch, not just the forwards. Sitting in 3rd place, Hasaacas is perfectly positioned to capitalize on any slip-ups from the top two.

The Mid-Table Scrap

Police Ladies’ 1-1 draw with LadyStrikers is significant because it ended their winning momentum. In the context of the league, consistency is key. Failing to secure a third consecutive win suggests that Police Ladies may struggle with the pressure of being a “chaser.” Meanwhile, the postponed match between Halifax Queens and Epiphany Warriors adds a layer of intrigue, as the result of that game could shift the lower half of the table significantly.

Practical Advice

For Fans and Supporters

To stay updated with the 2025/26 WPL season, fans should monitor the official Ghana Football Association (GFA) channels for fixture updates, as match dates can change due to weather or logistical issues. Following the specific team pages on social media is the best way to get real-time updates on lineups and match reports, especially for games like the Halifax Queens vs. Epiphany Warriors clash which was rescheduled.

For Aspiring Players

The first round of the WPL has highlighted the value of versatility. Abiba Issah, a defender scoring the winner for Hasaacas, exemplifies the modern player who contributes offensively. Aspiring players should focus not just on their primary position’s skills but on their ability to impact the game in the final third, whether through goals, assists, or defensive clearances off the line.

For Team Analysts

Teams like Jonina Ladies need to analyze their approach against “low-block” defenses, such as the one employed by Oak Ladies. The data suggests that possession statistics may not correlate directly with wins if the final ball is lacking. Coaches should focus on set-piece strategies and late-game conditioning, as many of the first-round results (Hasaacas’ late win, Army’s narrow margin) were decided by small margins.

FAQ

Conclusion

The 2025/26 Women’s Premier League Southern Zone first round has concluded with Army Ladies setting the pace. However, the gap at the top is narrow, and the competition remains fierce. With Hasaacas Ladies lurking in third place and Jonina Ladies looking to bounce back, the second round promises even more drama.

Key takeaways from the first round include the importance of winning “six-pointers” (like Army’s win over Intellectuals) and the danger of underestimating newly promoted sides. As the season progresses, consistency and squad depth will be the deciding factors in who lifts the trophy at the end of the campaign. The postponed fixtures will also play a crucial role in determining the final standings, making every remaining match a must-watch event for Ghanaian football enthusiasts.