betPawa GPL: Hearts pip Kotoko in Super Clash; Samartex slow down Aduana’s title charge
Accra Hearts of Oak killed two birds with one stone as they pipped eternal rivals Asante Kotoko to win back to back President’s Cup title and also moved above the Porcupine Warriors to fourth on the league standings.
In the presence of President Akufo-Addo, the Phobians recorded a 1-0 victory at the Accra Sports Stadium on a sunny Sunday afternoon.
The two teams started the game all fired up, with end to end action dominating the first 15 minutes.
Asante Kotoko were presented with the first chance of the game when Stephen Mukwala fired a one-on-one opportunity over the bar from inside the box.
It was the turn of Hearts to punish their rovaks for failing to convert their chances but Benjamin Yorke’s was denied by shot stopper Danlad Ibrahim.
With few to end the first half, the tempo of the game increased and Enock Morrison fired a shot over before efforts by Linda Mtange and Yorke were calmly collected by Danlad as the game headed into the break in a stalemate.
After the break, Hearts of Oak found the opening goal through Konadu Yiadom’s fabulous header into the far post, connecting beautifully from an Mtange set piece metres away from the box.
Kotoko did all they could to find an equalizer with possessive football, but it was the Phobians who found openings on the break, all of which were wasted.
Kotoko’s closest chance of the game came when Sherif Mohammed’s header cannoned off the underside of the crossbar and back out.
Kotoko piled on pressure in the last five minutes of the game plus an additional six minutes of injury time and had a late penalty appealed turned down, much to the delight of their fans as Hearts of Oak held on for the win.
Bechem United cruised to a 2-0 victory over Bibiani Gold Stars at the Nana Gyeabour Park on Sunday. The Hunters were in dire need of a win to get their season back on track following the midweek loss to Asante Kotoko.
After a barren first half, Emmanuel Owusu scored in the 66th minute to put his side ahead before Hafiz Konkoni added the second goal in the 69th minute to complete the win.
The win sees Bechem United move up to third in the league standings, with 33 points from 20 games – three points behind leaders Aduana FC.
League leaders Aduana FC crashed to an excruciating 1-0 loss to FC Samartex 1996 at Nsenkyire Sports Complex Sunday.
The newly promoted side who are unbeaten at home in eight matches, returned to winning ways after back-to-back defeats to Berekum Chelsea and Real Tamale United having recorded six victories and two draws at home in all competitions.
Isaac Afful headed them into the lead as his strike sealed victory for the home side. FC Samartex are now in 8th place with 29 points – six-points above the relegation zone.
Accra Lions grabbed a vital away win against Tamale City at Aliu Mahama stadium Sunday. Ibrahim Tanko’s side went into the game fresh from a 2-1 win over Karela United at CAM Park on Wednesday and snatched the three points through a Dominic Amponsah strike in extra time – his second goal on the road in five days.
Abdul Fatawu scored the winner for Medeama SC in their 1-0 win against Berekum Chelsea at Akoon Park.
In Accra, Legon Cities gave away a second half lead to draw 1-1 with Real Tamale United at the El Wak stadium. Samuel Armah scored in the 65th minute to give Legon Cities the lead but Issah Kuka was on hand to nod home an equalizer in the 83rd minute as the two teams shared the spoils.
Nsoatreman FC won the battle of the new boys at Nana Konamansah Park where the home side beat Kotoku Royals 2-1 to move two places above the relation zone. Samuel Ofori scored a first half penalty in the 32nd minute but Collins Kudjoe netted in the 41st minute to level matters for Royals.
Back from recess, both sides endured a difficult spell until Kwame Nana drilled home the winner in the 97th minute. Nsoatreman FC now have 24 points and lie in the 14th place while Kotoku Royals remain at the bottom with 14 points.
