GPL Matchweek 26 Wrap: Kotoko suffer back to back defeats; Hearts return to winning ways
Legon Cities stunned Kumasi Asante Kotoko at home as the Porcupine suffered a second consecutive defeat of the season following their 3-1 win at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday.
The Royals started well, but it took a controversial penalty decision for them to take the lead in the 17th minute after Christopher Nettey brought down Jonah Attuquaye. Otou then converted the penalty swiftly to get the opener.
Hans Kwofie doubled Cities’ lead barely 10 minutes later but Mudasiru Salifu cut the deficit few minutes before halftime.
After recess, Hans Kwofie was in the right place to head the third for Cities, who celebrated a famous victory in Kumasi.
Bechem United failed to close in on leaders Asante Kotoko SC after they were held to a 1-1 stalemate by Karela United FC in the Ghana Premier League on Monday.
The Hunters couldn’t take advantage of the Kotoko’s blip over the weekend to close the gap on the premiership standings.
Augustine Okrah’s sumptuous goal in the latter stages of the match to cancel Karela’s early lead in the second half after the visitors were reduced to ten men.
It was all about the home side afterwards but they failed to find the winning goal as Karela defended their hearts out to earn themselves a vital point.
Bechem remain second on the league log with seven points behind leaders Kotoko.
Hearts of Oak returned to winning ways after series of draws as they beat Accra Lions 3-1 at the Accra Sports Stadium.
A brace from Daniel Afriyie Barnieh and Isaac Agyenim Boateng’s strike handed the Phobians a convincing victory, which moves them into the top four.
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Hearts of Oak wasted no time in taking the lead after forward Daniel Afriyie Barnieh tapped in from a rebound in the 11th minute.
Two minutes later Kwadjo Obeng Jnr pulled a great save from Accra Lions goalkeeper Appiah Kubi.
With seven minutes remaining to half time, Lions midfielder Rashid Abubakar was sent off for lunging into striker Kwadjo Obeng Jnr, who had to be replaced due to injury from the tackle.
Obeng Jnr was replaced by Isaac Agyenim Boateng, and ten minutes after the break, the ex-Medeama player doubled Hearts of Oak’s lead after cleverly taking on two defenders following a pass from Suraj Seidu.
The Phobians began to enjoy possession due to the numerical advantage.
Sulley Muntari made his return to the team after missing four games, and the former Black Stars player showed class with a well executed corner which was headed home by Daniel Afriyie Barnieh to wrap things up for the Phobians.
Dreams FC threw away an early lead as King Faisal came from behind to draw 1-1, bringing to an end an eight game losing streak. Samuel Atta Kusi scored a fine goal to cancel out Issah Yakubu’s opener in the first half.
In the Bono regional derby, Berekum Chelsea were 1-0 winners over Aduana Stars, courtesy a 67th minute goal from Kelvin Obeng at the Golden City Park in Berekum.
A 68th-minute strike from the penalty spot by Prince Kwabena gave Bibiani Gold Stars all three points against Eleven Wonders at the Dun’s Park.
WAFA suffered their 12th loss of the season, losing to Medeama away from home in Tarkwa, courtesy a controversial penalty goal from captain Vincent Atingah.
Relegation bound Elmina Sharks drew 1-1 with Real Tamale United at the Ndoum Park. Victor Oduro’s strike was cancelled out by Isaac Donkor as the home side held on to earn a very important point in their quest to survive relegation.
AshGold earned a narrow win over Great Olympics at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday. Yaw Annor’s stunner in the 67th was the match winner as the Miners match on in glory.
After Matchday 26, Asante Kotoko are still top of the league with Bechem United, Medeama and Hearts making up the top four. Eleven Wonders, WAFA and Elmina Sharks are in the relegation zone.
