GPL Matchweek 18 Wrap: King Faisal return to winning ways; Asante Kotoko extend lead at the top
The second round of the Ghana Premier League commenced over the weekend as WAFA played hosts to King Faisal on Friday, with the latter picking important points at Sogakope.
The game had all three goals scored in the second half as things ended 2-1 in favour of the Insha Allah boys.
After a goalless first half, King Faisal went ahead just four minutes in the second half as Ibrahim Osman hit the back net.
Pegged behind, the hosts showed resilience and were rewarded in the 66th minute after captain Konadu Yiadom headed a ball from a corner kick.
Unfortunately for WAFA SC, King Faisal finished the match strongly as Mawuli Wayo brilliantly scored in the 86th minute to seal a 2-1 win for the visitors.
On Saturday, Osman Amadu’s late goal denied Hearts of Oak the maximum points as Legon Cities fought back to draw 1-1.
The Phobians took an early lead through Isaac Mensah in the 12th minute but failed to kill the game as they failed to connect the numerous chances that came their way.
Sulley Muntari who featured in his 4th straight match for the defending champions delivered a delicious assist for Isaac Mensah to head home the opener.
It was another goalkeeper show as William Essu pulled a number of brilliant saves to keep his side in the game.
The former Vision FC shot stopper denied Afriyie Banieh in the 28th minute as he stretched at full length to push out a dangerous ball that was heading in.
Essu again pulled a sensational save inside 87th minutes to continue his brilliant display.
Legon Cities intensified the pressure on Hearts of Oak and got rewarded in added time as Osman Amadu netted the equalizer on the 92nd minute to break the heart of the Phobia fans.
On Sunday, Franck Etouga Mbella grabbed a brace as Asante Kotoko beat Dreams FC 2-0 at the Baba Yara Sports stadium.
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The Cameroonian striker has now scored 13 goals wirh the league leaders opening a 10 point gap at the apex of the table.
Mbella converted home a penalty after he was fouled by the Dreams FC goalkeeper in the 72nd minute.
The Porcupine Warriors doubled their lead in the 82nd minute through Mbella after he followed up his effort that hit the post after a fine display of grits.
In Obuasi – AshantiGold slipped to a 4-1 defeat to Eleven Wonders at the Len Clay stadium. Tetteh Nortey scored the opener in the 32nd minute but the Miners fetched the equalizer inside 58 minutes.
Eleven Wonders restored their lead through Osman Zackaria before Andrews Kuma added the third goal in the 79th minute. With a few seconds to end the game Laar Ibrahim capped the 4-1 drubbing in the stoppage time.
Bright Adjei scored two first half goals as Aduana FC beat Karela United 2-0 at the Nana Agyemang Badu I Park at Dormaa. The former Tema Youth man fired the two time Champions into the led in the 5th minute before completing his brace in in the 20th minute to extend his goal tally to 11 after 18 matches.
In Berekum – Chelsea pip Bibiani Gold Stars 1-0 at the Golden City Park to extend their unbeaten streak to 8 games. Osei Owusu scored the only goal of the match in the 39th minute as the former Champions cruised to another vital home win.
Bottom placed Elmina Sharks failed to make their home advantage count as they played a 1-1 draw against Accra Lions at the Nduom stadium on Sunday. The two goals were produced in the final stages of the game as Osman Kassim scored in the 86th minute to cancel Ishmael Antwi’s 84th minute strike.
Medeama SC left things late at at Akoon Park on Sunday as they pipped second placed Bechem through a Vincent Atinga 94th minute penalty.
Accra Great Olympics will play Real Tamale United today at the Accra Sports Stadium as Matchday 18 comes to an end.
