Premier League: Gold Stars Edge Berekum Chelsea in Thriller as Title Race Goes Down to The Wire
Gold Stars kept their Premier League title hopes alive with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Berekum Chelsea at the Golden City Park, setting the stage for a nail-biting final day of the season.
In a five-goal spectacle, Abdul Farouk Amoaful’s brace and a strike from Foster Agyei secured the all-important three points for the visitors despite a double from Berekum Chelsea’s talisman, Stephen Amankona.
Amankona, the league’s top scorer with 15 goals, opened the scoring in the 8th minute. However, the lead was short-lived as Agyei equalised just five minutes later. Gold Stars then took control, with Amoaful netting twice in quick succession in the 22nd and 23rd minutes to hand the Miners a commanding 3-1 lead. Amankona added his second of the day in the 53rd minute to reduce the deficit, but it was not enough to deny the determined visitors.
The victory propels Gold Stars level on points with Nations FC at the top of the table, with the title set to be decided on the final day of the campaign.
However, Nations FC’s away encounter with Basake Holy Stars ended in controversy. The match was abandoned after Nations FC walked off in protest while trailing, putting the final outcome under review and potentially impacting the title race.
Asante Kotoko bolstered their top-four ambitions with a 3-2 win over Medeama SC at the Baba Yara Stadium. Albert Amoah was the hero for the Porcupine Warriors, registering a sensational hat-trick to take his season tally to 12 goals.
Medeama had taken an early lead through Kingsley Braye, but Amoah responded in style with goals in the 24th, 41st, and 78th minutes. Manuel Mantey briefly drew Medeama level at 2-2, but Amoah’s third sealed the win for Kotoko, who now sit third with 58 points—just two behind the top two.
In Kpando, Heart of Lions continued their impressive home form with a 2-1 victory over Bechem United. Kwesi Pong gave the hosts the lead in the 10th minute, with Seedorf Asante doubling the advantage midway through the second half. Bechem’s Nanji Zoumana Traore scored a late consolation, but Lions held firm to stay fourth and in contention for a top-four finish.
Karela United gave their survival hopes a major boost with a commanding 3-0 win over relegation rivals Young Apostles. Goals from Abdul Latif, Malik Abubakar, and John Anane ensured a vital three points for the “Pride and Passion,” who now sit 14th with 38 points—three clear of the relegation zone. Young Apostles remain 13th with 40 points, just two ahead of Karela.
FC Samartex 1996 produced late drama at the Nsenkyire Arena, defeating Aduana Stars 2-1 thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Isaac Afful. Baba Musah Hamadu gave Samartex an early lead, but Aduana equalised through Kelvin Obeng. With the match heading for a draw, Afful’s last-gasp strike secured all three points. Samartex sit sixth with 51 points, while Aduana are in 10th.
Accra Lions’ top-flight status is in serious jeopardy after a 2-0 home defeat to Dreams FC. Second-half goals from Abdul Razak Salifu and Aziz Misbau condemned Lions to their 16th loss of the campaign, leaving them 16th with 35 points, three adrift of safety. They now face a must-win clash away to Gold Stars on the final day.
Meanwhile, Hearts of Oak saw off already-relegated Legon Cities with a comfortable 2-0 win at the University of Ghana Stadium. Kwabena Boateng struck in the 20th minute, with Michael Mensah Awuah adding a second shortly after the break. The Phobians are now fifth, just two points behind Heart of Lions, and will need a win on the final day and a slip-up from Lions to break into the top four.
