GPL: Heart of Lions hold Kotoko as Medeama Close in; Hohoe United, Berekum Chelsea and Young Apostles Shine
Heart of Lions remain top with 10 points, closely followed by Medeama on nine. Hohoe United and Young Apostles continue to impress, while giants Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak still search for consistency early in the season.
Asante Kotoko 0-0 Heart of Lions
Asante Kotoko’s long-awaited return to the Baba Yara Sports Stadium ended in frustration as they were held to a goalless draw by league leaders Heart of Lions on Sunday.
Playing at their iconic home ground for the first time in months, the Porcupine Warriors were eager to mark the occasion with victory. However, Bashir Hayford’s well-drilled Lions demonstrated the resilience and tactical discipline that have made them the surprise pacesetters of the season, securing a valuable point to remain unbeaten after four matches.
The match produced few clear-cut chances. Kotoko striker Albert Amoah came closest to breaking the deadlock with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 26th minute that rattled the crossbar to the dismay of the home fans. Despite Kotoko’s six attempts compared to Lions’ four, their lack of composure in the final third proved costly.
Coach Karim Zito, who was celebrating his birthday, will have hoped for a better result but will take encouragement from his side’s effort. Kotoko now turn their attention to their outstanding fixture against Bibiani GoldStars before facing Hearts of Oak and Basake Holy Stars as they build momentum ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup clash with Wydad Casablanca.
Heart of Lions, meanwhile, maintain top spot on the Premier League table, one point ahead of Medeama, and will next host Berekum Chelsea in Kpando.
Hohoe United 4-1 Karela United
Hohoe United handed Karela United their first defeat of the campaign with a commanding 4-1 win at the Hohoe Sports Stadium on Sunday.
William Oduro opened the scoring in the 19th minute after capitalizing on a defensive error, before captain Usman Sufianu doubled the lead in the 35th minute. Karela reduced the deficit through Bless Ege’s penalty on 75 minutes, but Sufianu restored the two-goal cushion soon after, completing his brace. Sena Ati sealed the emphatic victory in the 88th minute.
Karela will aim to bounce back when they host Dreams FC, while Hohoe travel to face Nations FC next.
Dreams FC 1-1 Vision FC
John Antwi marked his return to Dreams FC with a goal in their 1-1 draw against Vision FC at the Tuba Astro Turf.
Vision took the lead in first-half stoppage time through Daniel Yemoh, but Antwi levelled the score from the spot in the 71st minute, rescuing Dreams’ first point of the season. Despite their spirited performance, the “Still Believe” side remain without a win and will face Karela United next.
Vision FC, who were denied a second straight win, will return home to take on Eleven Wonders.
Medeama 2-1 Nations FC
Medeama SC returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Nations FC at the TnA Stadium in Tarkwa.
Emmanuel Owusu gave Medeama the lead in the first half after a well-worked move, but Nations equalised midway through the second period. With the game finely poised, Salim Adams struck the decisive goal in the 83rd minute to seal all three points for the former champions.
Despite enjoying less possession (47% to 53%), Medeama made better use of their chances, registering eight shots to Nations’ nine, and showed more threat from set pieces, earning nine corners. The win lifts Medeama to second place, just one point behind leaders Heart of Lions.
Eleven Wonders 0-1 Young Apostles
Richmond Opoku scored his fourth goal of the season to hand Young Apostles a dramatic 1-0 victory over Eleven Wonders at the Swedru Sports Stadium.
The substitute struck in the 87th minute to seal all three points after a balanced contest where both sides created few clear chances. The win piles pressure on the winless newcomers, while Young Apostles continue their impressive start to the campaign.
Berekum Chelsea 2-0 Basake Holy Stars
Berekum Chelsea finally got off the mark with a 2-0 win over Basake Holy Stars at the Golden City Park.
Prince Anane opened the scoring in the 42nd minute following sustained pressure, before Haruna Shaibu doubled the advantage just after the restart. The Blues dominated throughout, looking sharp and cohesive both in defence and attack.
The victory offers a much-needed confidence boost for Chelsea, who next face table-toppers Heart of Lions in Kpando. Basake Holy Stars, still chasing their first win, will meet champions Bibiani GoldStars in their next outing.
