betPawa GPL: Aduana, Kotoko draw goalless; Atinga inspires Medeama to victory
Aduana FC and Asante Kotoko played out a goalless draw in what was the top of the table clash on Matchday 10 of the betPawa Premier League at Nana Agyemang Badu I Park Sunday.
Kotoko went into the game oozing confidence as they beat their opponents 2-0 last season but ended up disappointed for not being able to bag all three points which would have seen them climb top of the table.
Coach Paa Kwesi Fabin was forced to make an early substitution in the 12th minute as Justus Torsutsey hobbled off and was replaced by Solomon Adomako.
Stephen Anokye Badu got a bright chance to put Aduana FC ahead but his free kick was saved by Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Frederick Asare in the 16th minute.
Despite their struggle in the opening minutes of the match, Asante Kotoko later gathered momentum and started troubling Aduana FC but both teams failed to score as the first half ended 0-0 in a thrilling encounter.
Back from recess, the League leaders had a perfect start this time – knocking on the door of the home side looking for the opening goal. Serge Zeze had a good run as he curled home a beautiful free kick from the area but his effort was neatly dealt with by the backline of Aduana FC.
Frederick Asare was later called to duty in the 73rd minute as he pulled a brilliant save to keep Asante Kotoko in the game – the goalkeeper saved Solomon Aboagye’s close effort.
A moment of controversy irked the success of the game as Emmanuel Gyamfi was involved in a rift with Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Frederick Asante and Justice Blay. The former Kotoko captain was seen stepping on the foot of the goalkeeper and was later throwing hands at Blay after he tried to calm the situation.
Aduana FC remain top of the Ghana Premier League table with Asante Kotoko staying in second place.
At the Aliu Mahama Stadium in Tamale, Real Tamale United left things late to start 2023 on a high with a a 3-2 victory over Oda Kotoko Royals.
Yussif Nurudeen scored a last gasp winner to ensure the Blues secure all the points in a five-goal thriller.
Baba Kushibo opened the scoring just seven minutes into the game for Real Tamale United after intercepting a pass from the back before going pass Clinton Quaye to slot home.
With a one goal at the break, Issah Kuka doubled RTU’s lead in the 58th minute – but the lead was reduced two minutes later as Richard Dzikoe pulled one back inside 60 minutes for Kotoku Royals.
There was late drama as Kotoku Doyals drew parity with just five minutes to end proceedings but the gome fanams were thrilled once again as Yussif Nurudeen again nodded home the match winner with just seconds to go.
Meanwhile Tamale City beat Great Olympics 2-1 to record only their second win of the season. After a barren first half Raphael Essien broke the deadlock in 51st minute for the host. But Gideon Offei Ofori netted to pull parity for Great Olympics in the 62nd minute.
Sampson Eduku then scored the match winner from close range in the 71st minute to condemn Great Olympics to their fourth defeat of the season.
Vincent Atingah was up to the task once again as he scored two spot kicks to inspire Medeama SC to their first home win in over three months at Akoon Park against Accra Lions.
The dominant defender netted broke the deadlock 19 minutes into the game after a dominant display from the visitors. The former Hearts of Oak man again converted from the spot after a foul on Theophilus Anobah to complete the scoring.
King Faisal rallied to a 2-0 win against Nsoatreman FC at the Baba Yara sports stadium Kumasi.
Joseph Gordon and Godfred Asiamah scored in the second half to hand King Faisal all the points. Gordon blasted home a pass from Adom Antwi in the 79th minute before Godfred Asiamah finished off an absolutely magnificent solo run from the centre circle to slot home.
Samartex were held to a goalless draw by Dreams FC. Both teams were presented with chances but failed to convert any as both sides go into Matchweek 11 on the back of a draw.
Berekum Chelsea dropped points at home as they were held 0-0 by Bibiani Gold Stars at the Golden City.
In Sogakope, Legon Cities came from behind to draw 1-1 with Karela United FC at the WAFA Park. Abdul Rahman scored in the 73rd minute to cancel Emmanuel Owusu Boakye’s opening goal in the 36rd minute.
Accra Hearts of Oak will play Bechem United at the Cape Coast Stadium on Monday to round up Matchweek 10.
