The Ghana Premier League (GPL) returned this weekend with more breathtaking action that excited fans across various venues after taking a break for the 2024 general elections.
As anticipated, the excitement of the games increases over time as the league progresses; and this weekend’s game week 13 matches are a good statement to that effect.
The climax of the week-13 took place at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, on Sunday. A dramatic added-time goal from Albert Amoah handed Asante Kotoko a narrow 1-0 victory over arch-rivals Accra Hearts of Oak. This marks the Porcupine Warrior’s third consecutive league triumph over the Phobians in recent times.
The decisive moment came from a mix-up between Hearts defender Kelvin Osei Asibey and his goalkeeper Benjamin Asare. It was a cruel end for the two players who had delivered outstanding performances throughout the game until that unfaithful moment.
Kotoko began on the front foot, forcing Hearts’ goalkeeper Benjamin Asare into a spectacular save just 27 seconds after kick-off. Hearts of Oak, rattled by Kotoko’s intensity, gradually grew into the game, controlling possession but failing to trouble the opposition defense with any clear-cut chances.
Albert Amoah was a constant threat throughout the game, missing about three glorious chances in game before finally breaking the deadlock in the final minutes of the game.
Kotoko has now moved to the fifth position on the table with 21 points, pushing Hearts of Oak to the seventh position with 19 points.
To clinch the top spot of the table, Heart of Lions pulled off an impressive 1-0 win at defending champions FC Samartex 1996.
Lions grabbed the match-winning goal as early as the 4th minute through Nana Frimpong. The defending champions fashioned multiple opportunities but the Lions remained resolute at the Nsenkyire Arena to claim a 0-1 victory over Samartex.
Vision FC 3-2 Medeama SC. Emmanuel Kyei scored at the death as Vision FC edged Medeama SC 3-2 in an exciting five-goal thriller at home. Vision FC shot into the lead through Joshua Rhule as early as the 4th minute before Frank Abora Duku added the second on the stroke of half time.
However, Medeama clawed back to peg the game at 2-2 with goals from Osah Bernardinho Tetteh and Michael Sarpong in the 67th and 82nd minute, respectively. With the game heading to a draw, Emmanuel Kyei popped up with the decisive winner in injury-time to hand the vital win to the capital side.
Elsewhere, Legon Cities’ struggles continued after losing 2-0 at home to Bechem United on Saturday December 14, 2024. A goal in each half from Francis Acquah in the 34th and Augustine Okrah in the 93rd minutes separated the two teams at the University of Ghana Stadium.
The win has lifted United to third while the Royals remain rock-bottom with 11 points from 13 matches.
Basake Holy Stars 3-0 Young Apostles. Basake Holy Stars recorded their biggest win of the season after a comfortable 3-0 win over Young Apostles at home on Saturday.
Prince Opoku opened the scoring in the 51st minute, Issah Yakubu added the second in the 60th minute before Prince Tweneboah put the icing on the cake with the third goal in the 90th minute.
The win has catapulted Holy Stars to mid-table, while Young Apostles lie 13th with 13 points.
Berekum Chelsea 0-0 Aduana FC. Berekum Chelsea, at their own backyard, were held to a goal-less draw at home by Aduana FC in the Bono derby on Saturday. The two teams failed to break each other down as they shared the spoils in an entertaining clash at the Golden City Park. Chelsea remains in 7th position while Aduana lies just a point above the drop zone.
Nsoatreman FC were held 1-1 at home by Dreams FC. The visitors took an early lead through Joseph Esso in the seventh minute before Collins Kofi Kudjoe pulled parity in the 57th minute. The two teams spurned chances to share the points at the Nana Konamansah Park.
Nsoatreman lies 11th in the table while Dreams FC remain in the bottom three.
At another venue, Karela United and Gold Stars FC shared the spoils 1-1 in an exciting Premier League match at the Tamale Sports Stadium on Saturday. Faisal Gariba put the ball in his own net to give the visitors the lead before goalkeeper Abdul- Karim Nasiru scored from the spot to level the scores.
Gold Stars have dropped to second while Karela United lie just a point above the relegation zone.
Accra Lions 1-0 Nations FC. Lucky Nwafor’s first-half strike delivered a vital 1-0 win for Accra Lions against Nations FC. Accra Lions, playing at the WAFA Park in Sogakope for the first time this season, have now recorded just their second win of the campaign.
Despite the win, they remain in the bottom three while Nations FC lies fourth with 22 points from 13 games.
