GPL MatchWk 4 : Kotoko maintain flying start, AshGold deepen Hearts woes
Asante Kotoko maintained their perfect run notching an impressive four(4) victories as the champions shrugged off Eleven Wonders by 2-0 in the 2021/2022 Ghana Premier League season.
Accra Hearts of Oak however suffered their first defeat of the campaign, deepening their woes and winless run : 3 Draws in a row and 1 Loss.
Striker Emmanuel Boateng opened the scoring for the Porcupine Warriors in the 28th minute after finishing off a well worked pass from Mudasiru Salifu.
The bulky midfielder intercepted a ball from midfield and set up Boateng who scored brilliantly from the edge of the box. Isaac Oppong doubled Kotoko’s lead in the 75th minute with a superb solo effort.
The speedster beat his marker and from a tight angle lifted the ball over the goalkeeper into the roof of the net for his third of the season. He scored three and made three in the first four matches of the season – making him the most consistent player in the campaign.
Asante Kotoko lead the League table with 12 points having conceded just once and scored eight in four matches.
In Accra – Maxwell Abbey Quaye and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku both scored a brace when Great Olympics and Dreams FC met on Sunday. Issahaku – a Ghanaian International registered a brace within 13 minutes of the first half after Philemon Baffuor had given Dreams FC a precious lead inside 5 minutes.
Fatawu Issahaku then added the second goal in the 15th minute after connecting a brilliant ball from midfield. The former Steadfast FC man grabbed his second –Dreams FC’s 3rd in the 27th minute to make things difficult for Great Olympics. But the Dade boys didn’t give up as Maxwell Abbey scored from the spot in the 34th minute to reduce the deficit. Back from recess, the League’s top scorer scored yet another penalty in the 62nd minute to tilt things slightly in favour of Great Olympics.
The Blues continued to pile pressure in search of the needed equalizer and their hard work paid off in the 84th minute as Dreams FC could not contain the pressure. Samuel Armah got the equalizer for the Dade Boys as the game ended 3-3 at the Accra Sports stadium.
In Obuasi – AshantiGold SC scored two second half goals to condemn Champions Hearts of Oak to a 2-0 loss at the Len clay stadium.
Yaw Annor broke the deadlock eight minutes after the break with a wonderful volley to beat Richard Atta in goal for Hearts of Oak. The two sides then changed their style of play as both coaches threaded cautiously to avoid mistakes. But the plan worked perfectly for AshantiGoold who put the nail in the coffin in added time to seal the win.
Abdul Salam added the second goal in the 93rd minute to berate Hearts of Oak to their first loss of the season – bringing to an end a succession of three draws in the opening stages of the season. The win will give the Miners a sigh following their recent struggles.
Earlier on Friday, Atta Agyei gave Berekum Chelsea their first win of the season as his first half strike earned the Blues a 1-0 win against King Faisal at the Golden City Park.
Christopher Acheampong and Rauf Salifu got on target for Accra Lions as they defeated Bechem United 2-1 at the Accra Sports stadium on Saturday. Experienced winger Augustine Okrah fetched the consolation for Bechem United as they suffered yet another away loss in the season.
In Dormaa – Aduana FC recovered from their shocking 3-1 home loss to King Faisal as they overcame a stubborn Real Tamale United side on Sunday. Diminutive attacker Bright Adjei grabbed a brace for the two-time champions before Eric Kwakwa, Yahaya Mohammed and Emmanuel Gyamfi increased the tally for Aduana FC in a 5-1 win. The visitors pulled one back through Stephen Badu.
At the WAFA Park at Sogakope – Asamoah Boateng Afriyie scored in the 83rd minute to give Legon Cities a priceless 2-2 draw against WAFA. Lawrence Agyekum scored the games’ first goal in the 5th minute but that was cancelled by Jonah Attuquaye two minutes later as Legon Cities showed bravery and confidence especially in the first half.
Justus Torsutsey added the second goal for WAFA to restore their lead with a 45th minute strike. With the game almost heading to a 2-1 win, Asamoah Boateng Afriyie smashed home from close range for Legon Cities to give them a point at Sogakope.
In Elmina, Alhaji Mustapha was the hero for Elmina Sharks as his second half strike gave them the three points against Bibiani Gold Stars at the Nduom stadium.
The hard working forward popped up from behind to connect a delightful pass from midfield to give Sharks their first win of the season.
Enock Ablenyo gave them the lead in the first half but that was cancelled by Prince Owusu immediately after the break to give Bibiani Gold Stars a glimmer of hope. But Alhaji Mustapha’s late strike dashed their faint hopes in a 2-1 defeat.
The match between Medeama SC and Karela United has been rained off and will be played at 10am on Monday. The match which was 0-0 after 70 minutes of play will continue on Monday.
Credit: GFA