GPL Matchweek 24 Wrap: Asante Kotoko reign supreme in Super Clash; AshGold thrash WAFA
Asante Kotoko SC beat eternal rivals Hearts of Oak to reign supreme in the Super Clash on Sunday at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi as they keep their lead at the summit of the table.
Mbella’s penalty goal ensured the Porcupines picked a vital 1-0 lead against the Phobians, recording his 16th goal of the season.
Kotoko got the opportunity to go ahead in the 15th minute after winning a penalty following a foul inside the box on Brazilian playmaker Fabio Gama dos Santos by Nurudeen.
Etouga stepped up to effect the kick sending goalkeeper Richmond Ayi the wrong way as he gave the hosts the lead.
The Porcupine Warriors should have been up by two or more goals with their dominance over Hearts but failed to make their chances count.
The Phobians after the recess, gave out a spirited performance but none of their efforts proved worthy to get the equalizer.
Georges Mfegue Omgba come close to netting the second goal for the Fabulous lads but saw his effort go wide.
The victory means Kotoko have recorded their first win over Hearts in two seasons and continue to lead the log with 52 points from 24 matches.
AshantiGold thrashed WAFA 6-0 at the Len Clay stadium with hitman Yaw Annor scoring a hat-trick to propel the Miners at home. The goal fest began as early as the 13th minute when Annor got on the end of a lovey move to slot home.
The winger added to the tally one minute later as the Miners took the game to their opponents. Aminu Adams netted the third goal inside 36 minutes before Henry Oware’s own goal in the 39th muddied the waters for the visitors.
Read: Super Clash: Samuel Boadu demands for fair play after loss to Asante Kotoko
Eric Esso smashed home the 5th goal in the 48th minute before Yaw Annor rounded things up to get his hat-trick – nine minutes from time.
At the Theatre of Dreams, Dreams FC drew 1-1 with relegation threatened Eleven Wonders. The Still Believe lads drew first blood through Ibrahim Abdulai in the 64th minute but Wonders put a brace show in the last 10 minutes of the game as Ibrahim Laar fetched the equalizer inside 79 minutes to keep alive the hopes of avoiding relegation. .
Accra Great Olympics left it late to earn a 2-1 win against Aduana FC at the Accra Sports stadium.
Aduana FC shot into the lead in the 12th minute through Adom Frimpong before Idrissu Murad scored on the half hour mark to draw the home side level. The game was heading to a draw until Abbey’s individual brilliance gave Great Olympics the match winner as late as in the 92nd minute to keep their top four place intact.
Medeama SC picked a narrow 2-1 win over Real Tamale United in Tarkwa. Darlington Appiah scored the opener for the home side in the 8th minute RTU found an equalizer through Mohammed Sarad ten minutes later. Ansu Kofi Patrick later restored Medeama’s lead with a sublime finish in the 27th minute to give the Mauve and yellows a 2-1 win.
Bechem United earned a hard fought 1-0 win over Bibiani Gold Stars to pick all three points, scoring in added time at the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park. Emmanuel Owusu’s 92nd minute goal was all the Hunters needed to seal the points.
Accra Lions gave their survival hopes a boost after beating Karela United 1-0 on Saturday. The close contest did not produce any goal in the first half as Lions winger Daniel Awuni received the marching orders in the second half. The only goal of the match was scored in the 71st minute through Frederick Asante who soared above everyone to head home Abbas Samari’s free kick.
Bottom placed Elmina Sharks recorded their 5th win of the season with Ishmael Antwi scoring the only goal of the match in a 1-0 win against King Faisal.
Henry Ansu scored from the spot as Berekum Chelsea pip Legon Cities 1-0 at the Golden City Park.