Nations FC climbed to the top of the Ghana Premier League (GPL) table with a comfortable 0-2 win against Kumasi Asante Kotoko SC on Sunday, November 17, 2024.
Nations FC opened the scoring in the 31st minute through Nafiu Sulemana and grabbed the second one just before half-time through Faisal Charwetey, the league’s top scorer who capitalised on a blunder by goalkeeper Mohamed Camara to net his eighth goal of the season, sealing the victory.
The win propels Nations FC to the top of the league table, taking advantage of Bibiani Gold Stars’ first defeat of the season to Medeama SC.
Asante Kotoko suffered their fourth consecutive defeat on losing to local rivals Nations FC at the Len Clay Stadium in Obuasi.
The loss plunges the Porcupine Warriors further into crisis as their once-promising season continues to plummet.
Heading into the game with defeats to Legon Cities, Heart of Lions, and Bechem United, Kotoko’s struggles were evident and the home fans were optimistic about a turnaround but things got worse.
The Porcupine Warriors nonetheless have a consolation in the fact that two of their key players were not in action; Emmanuel Antwi — on national duty with the Black Stars, and top scorer Albert Amoah. This accounted partly for the attack’s lack of sharpness on the day.
However, Nations FC were also without trusted centre-back Razak Simpson, who starred in Ghana’s 1-1 draw against Angola.
The Kotoko fans and board are questioning Head Coach Prosper Ogum’s competence, as his tactics and inability to address the team’s attacking woes raise alarm. The team has not scored more than one goal in any game this season and has now lost four consecutive matches for only the second time in their history.
Kotoko’s archrival, Accra Hearts of Oak, climbed into the top four of the GPL with a hard-fought 0-1 victory over Karela United at Aliu Mahama Stadium in Tamale on Sunday.
Celebrating their 113th anniversary, the Phobians extended their winning streak to three matches under the rejuvenated leadership of coach Aboubakar Ouattara.
Hamza Issah scored the decisive goal three minutes into the game, showcasing clinical finishing to latch onto a pass and fire Hearts of Oak into an early lead. The team’s solid defensive performance ensured they held on for the narrow win.
After a rocky start to the season, with back-to-back defeats in their opening fixtures, Ouattara has steadied the ship, earning consecutive victories over Medeama SC, Vision FC and Karela.
The turnaround has silenced early-season doubts about his tenure, with the team showing new-found cohesion and an ability to grind out results.
Elsewhere, Bibiani Gold Stars FC’s impressive 10-match unbeaten streak in the GPL ended with a 2-0 defeat at Medeama SC on Sunday.
The Miners have dropped from the top of the table, trailing new leaders Nations FC by two points.
Derrick Fordjour shot Medeama ahead as early as the third minute before Michael Enu added the second from the penalty spot in the 81st minute.
The Mauve and Yellow are now just outside the top four in fifth position in the table while the visitors drop from first to second.
Young Apostles FC caused the biggest weekend upset after beating FC Samartex 1996 0-1 at the Nsenkyire Arena.
Samuel Prempeh scored the match’s only goal in the 48th minute to deliver a remarkable away victory for the Premier League new boys.
The Timber giants remain in 6th place with 17 points, while the visitors lie 13th in the league table.
Dreams FC made it a consecutive premier league win of the season after overcoming Vision FC 0-1 on the road. Abdul Razak Salifu’s 82nd-minute strike separated the two teams at the Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex.
The win has lifted Dreams FC out of the relegation zone while Vision FC has slipped into the bottom three.
Berekum Chelsea was shell-shocked at home after losing 1-2 against Bechem United in the Bono derby. Boat-At Regain’s braces in the 21st and 86th minutes propelled the visitors to an important away win at Golden City Park.
Legon Cities FC moved out of the drop zone with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Basake Holy Stars at home. Prince Opoku put the visitors ahead in the 15th minute through the spot kick before Frank Akoto and Kojo Gyasi scored for Cities. The Royals have jumped to 15th while Holy Stars lie 13th on the table.
