Kumasi Asante Kotoko returned to the summit of the Ghana Premier League (GPL) table after edging past Karela United 1-0 at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday.
The captain of the Porcupine Warriors, Justice Blay’s, second-half penalty in the 63rd minute sealed the win, propelling Kotoko to the top of the league table.
Despite not being at their fluent best, Coach Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum’s side secured the points needed to leapfrog Gold Stars at the top of the table with 34 points from 18 matches, strengthening their title charge.
The Porcupine Warriors endured a challenging start to the season, going five games without a win, including four consecutive losses, which led many to dismiss their title chances. However, Kotoko have turned their fortunes around spectacularly, winning six of their last seven matches to reclaim the top spot.
Kotoko, now one point clear at the summit, will aim to maintain their form when they face Nsoatreman next. Karela, desperate for points, will host Berekum Chelsea in their upcoming fixture.
Archrival Hearts of Oak’s pursuit of the GPL title hit a roadblock on Sunday as they were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Basake Holy Stars.
Despite creating numerous chances, the Phobians failed to find the back of the net, leaving fans disappointed. The visitors, determined to bounce back from their previous slip, began the match with intent.
FC Samartex 1996 dropped valuable points at home after drawing 1-1 against Dreams FC on Sunday. Alhassan Mankuyali Mohammed opened the scoring for the home side in the 48th minute before Joseph Esso pulled parity for the visitors at the Nsenkyire Stadium.
This is a massive result for the visitors who have struggled for form since the start of the season. Despite the vital point on the road, Dreams again dropped to the bottom three.
Elsewhere, Young Apostles recorded a narrow 1-0 win over Nsoatreman FC to triumph in the Bono derby on Sunday.
Apostles lie 11th with 21 points while Nsoatreman find themselves in the 14th position with 18 points from 18 games.
Berekum Chelsea recorded a second successive home win after a 1-0 success over Vision FC. Emmanuel Sarpong’s 25th minute strike separated the two teams at the Golden City Park in Berekum. Chelsea finds itself in the eighth position with 25 points while Vision lies 12th with 19 points.
Bechem United continued their impressive run of form after a decisive 2-0 win over Nations FC at home on Sunday. A goal in each half helped the Hunters to the deserved victory at the Nana Gyeabour Park.
United scored first through Isaiah Nyarko in the 27th minute, before Emmanuel Abban added the second in the 84th minute. Nations have dropped to fourth while Bechem United lie sixth, with 30 points.
At the Kpando Stadium, Hearts of Lions returned to winning ways after a 2-1 with over Aduana FC on Sunday. Kwesi Pong opened the scoring for Lions before Seedorf Asante made it 2-0. However, Akwasi Asante pulled a goal back for the visitors as they suffered their sixth defeat of the season.
Lions remain in third place with 33 points, while Aduana lie 13th with 18 points.
Legon Cities climbed above the relegation zone after a hard fought 1-0 win over Gold Stars FC at home on Sunday. Fredrick Akatuk scored the only goal of the match in the 51st minute to lift the Royals just above the drop zone.
The Royals lie above Dreams FC in 15th position while Gold Stars remain in second place.
