betPawa GPL Matchweek 5 Wrap: Kotoko launch a spirited comeback as Aduana open lead at the summit
After the injunction was lifted the betPawa Ghana Premier League has produced electrifying performances as the league entered Matchday 5 action across its league centers.
Here is a round up of all the actions that happened over the weekend.
Asante Kotoko returned to winning ways after a spirited comeback win over newly promoted side Samartex at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday.
After losing to Bechem United in midweek, the Porcupine Warriors left things late in the tie as it appeared they were dropping valuable points again when Samartex broke the deadlock four minutes after recess through Prince Antwi.
The defending league champions kept their cool and exhibited their resilience as Nicholas Mensah scored his second goal of the season to draw parity in the game.
Not long after they scored again through an Augustine Agyapong spectacular free kick as Samartex finished the game with a man down.
The win sees Kotoko climb up the league log to third place while Samartex drop to 15th.
Kotoko will travel to Tarkwa when they lock with Medeama whiles Samartex take on neighbours Bibiani Gold Stars on Matchweek 6.
Hearts of Oak recorded their second win of the season on Saturday after beating Kotoku Royals by a goal to nil at the Cape Coast Stadium.
Hearts ame into the game full of confidence after ending their winless streak last weekend with a comeback win against Bibiani GoldStars in Accra, and they added another win to move into the top half of the table.
Daniel Afriyie Barnieh was the hero once again, scoring the decisive goal from the penalty spot in the 31st minute.
The attacker has established himself as one of Ghana’s best penalty-takers, so it was no surprise that he chose to take this one after being fouled by Royals goalkeeper Clinton Quaye.
Barnieh, a member of Ghana’s preliminary squad of 55 players for the World Cup in Qatar, converted expertly to secure three points for the Phobians.
The victory is also the second in two games for new coach Matic, who was appointed after Samuel Boadu was fired due to the club’s poor start.
Matic has begun to produce good results, and fans will be hoping that he continues to do so as they aim for their second league title in three seasons.
Following the latest defeat, Kotoku Royals are likely to end the weekend in the relegation zone, extending their winless streak to four games.
Aduana Stars continued their unbeaten run this season as they beat Legon Cities by a lone goal to nil at the Dormaa Park. Isaac Mintah’s 34th minute strike was the difference as the Ogya boys made it four wins out of five to keep their grip at the summit of the league.
At the Golden City Park in Berekum, it was a tale of two halves as Real Tamale United picked their first win of the season against Berekum Chelsea who were yet to lose a game. Osei Owusu’s strike in the 85th munute was not enough to cancel out David Abagna and Ronald Frimpong’s goals as the Pride of the north held on to the win.
King Faisal are having a season to forget after losing all their games this season. Bibiani Gold Stars mined the Insha Allah Boys as they came out victorious on the day thanks to goals from Ibrahim Laar.
Karela United moved into the top four as they returned to winning ways against Bechem United. Agbenyo’s goal ensured the Tarkwa based recovered from the horrendous defeat to Nsoatreman last weekend.
Dreams FC drew blank with Tamale City in Dawu on Friday to set the Matchweek rolling.
Accra Great Olympics will lock horns with Medeama SC Monday as Matchweek 5 comes to an end.
