Medeama SC moved a step closer to the Ghana Premier League title after securing a crucial 1-0 victory over Basake Holy Stars in a tense Western derby, while Hearts of Oak’s title hopes officially came to an end following a disappointing draw against Aduana FC.
The Mauve and Yellow reclaimed control of the title race after rivals Bibiani Gold Stars had briefly gone top earlier in the weekend. Despite missing a penalty through Salim Adams and seeing Kelvin Nkrumah twice denied by the woodwork, Medeama remained composed as Kingsley Braye netted the decisive goal in the second half at the AAK Ampain Park.
The victory restores Medeama’s two-point lead at the summit with only two matches remaining, keeping Ibrahim Tanko’s side firmly on course for league glory.
At the Accra Sports Stadium, Hearts of Oak saw their slim title ambitions disappear after being held to a goalless draw by Aduana FC. The Phobians dominated possession and created several chances but once again struggled in front of goal, continuing a trend that has defined much of their campaign.
The result leaves Hearts without silverware this season, while Aduana strengthened their push for a top-four finish.
Asante Kotoko finally returned to winning ways with a comfortable 2-0 victory over already relegated Eleven Wonders at the Baba Yara Stadium. Lawson Kyei Manu opened the scoring before youngster Anthony Duah marked his senior debut with a goal, handing interim coach Hamza Obeng his first victory in charge.
The relegation battle also took another dramatic turn across several venues.
Young Apostles boosted their survival chances with a narrow 1-0 victory over Nations FC. Samuel Prempeh’s first-half strike secured a fifth consecutive home win for the hosts and lifted them further away from danger. Nations FC, however, remain in serious trouble, sitting 15th with only two games left to save their season.
Heart of Lions delivered one of the standout performances of the weekend with a commanding 3-0 win over FC Samartex in Kpando. Captain Ebenezer Abban inspired the victory with the opening goal before Seedorf Asante and Ishmael Addo added two more before halftime.
Samartex endured a frustrating afternoon and failed to recover despite being awarded a second-half penalty, which they failed to convert.
Vision FC also kept their survival hopes alive with an impressive 3-0 victory over Karela United in Tema. Abdoul Nafilss Konate opened the scoring early before Bernard Kwarteng and Zaidan Alhasaan completed a dominant performance.
In Swedru, All Blacks rescued a dramatic point in a 1-1 draw against Bechem United. Kofi Tompuo looked to have secured victory for the visitors with a late goal, but Eric Wiafe Darkwa struck deep into injury time to earn the hosts a valuable draw in their fight against relegation.
Berekum Chelsea also eased their relegation worries after edging Dreams FC 1-0 at the Golden City Park. Kofi Tanib Oxborn scored the decisive goal in the 32nd minute as Chelsea secured a third straight league victory to continue their strong late-season resurgence.
With only two matches remaining, the Ghana Premier League title race and relegation battle remain finely balanced, setting up a dramatic conclusion to the campaign.
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Story by Samuel Annang|univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Erica Odeenyin Odoom
