GPL: Asante Kotoko Stays Top Despite Narrow Loss to Nsoatreman FC; Gold Stars Drop Vital Points
Asante Kotoko suffered a surprising 1-0 defeat to Nsoatreman FC but managed to maintain their position at the top of the Premier League table after match day 19. The decisive goal came from Gabriel Bonnah in the 81st minute, securing a much-needed win for Nsoatreman at the Nana Kronmansah Park.
Despite the loss, Kotoko remains at the summit of the league with 34 points from 19 matches, while Nsoatreman has climbed to 13th place, boosting their chances of survival.
In another match, Gold Stars FC missed the opportunity to overtake Kotoko after a goalless draw against FC Samartex 1996 in a lackluster Western derby at Duns Park in Bibiani. The Miners now sit on 34 points, level with Kotoko, while the defending champions remain locked in mid-table.
Medeama SC secured a vital 1-0 win over Legon Cities, thanks to a goal from Nurudeen Abdulai in the 70th minute. Abdulai, who has been shifted to a defensive midfield role, proved instrumental in the match at the TnA Stadium in Tarkwa. Medeama remains in 7th place, while Legon Cities continue to struggle in the bottom three.
Vision FC came from behind to clinch a 2-1 victory against Accra Lions. Yao Sokpoli put the visitors ahead early in the 8th minute, but Emmanuel Akansase equalized in the 79th minute. Just when it seemed the match would end in a draw, Isaac Opoku Agyemang converted a penalty to secure the win for Vision FC at the Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex in Tema New Town. Vision FC now sits in 11th place, while Accra Lions remain firmly anchored at the bottom of the table.
Young Apostles pulled off a commendable 2-1 win against Nations FC, with goals from Emmanuel Kontor and Ramzy Abubakar. Although defender Razak Simpson pulled one back for Nations, it wasn’t enough to salvage a point. The game was played at Len Clay Stadium in Obuasi, where Nations served a one-match home suspension. The victory lifts Young Apostles to 12th place, while Nations remains in 3rd position.
In the Bono derby, Aduana FC edged past Bechem United with a narrow 1-0 win, courtesy of Kelvin Obeng’s goal in the 8th minute at the Nana Agyemang Badu I Park. Aduana now sits in 13th place, while Bechem United holds onto 6th position.
Dreams FC enhanced their survival hopes with a 2-1 win over Basake Holy Stars. Abdul Razak Salifu opened the scoring for Dreams, but Emmanuel Kwame equalized for the visitors. Experienced striker Joseph Esso then netted the winner, helping Dreams rise to 14th place, three points above the relegation zone.
Finally, Karela United secured a 2-1 victory over Berekum Chelsea at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium. Alhassan Adamu scored a sensational brace in the 12th and 48th minutes, with Kwasi Fosu pulling one back for Chelsea. Despite the win, Karela United remains in the bottom three, while Chelsea sits in 8th place.
