Round six of the Ghana Premier League served up another weekend of competitive football, with teams fighting hard for points as the race for positions continued to take shape.
While some sides celebrated important victories, others were left disappointed after dropping points, with the results adding more excitement to the ongoing campaign.
Swedru All Blacks 1–0 Asante Kotoko
Asante Kotoko suffered a late setback at the Swedru Sports Stadium as Eric Darkwah converted a penalty to hand Swedru All Blacks a 1–0 victory.
The Porcupine Warriors appeared poised to earn a point before Darkwah’s decisive effort secured all three points for the hosts. The victory lifted Swedru All Blacks to eight points, level with Kotoko.
For the Kumasi-based side, the defeat represented a missed opportunity to strengthen their position, while Swedru will take confidence from a hard-fought home win.
Hearts 1–0 Port City
Hearts of Oak returned to winning ways with a narrow victory over newly promoted Port City FC at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium.
Frank Abora Duku scored the only goal to secure Hearts’ third victory of the campaign and lift them to second place. The result also ended their three-match winless run.
The clean sheet provided an additional boost for the Phobians as they seek greater consistency. Port City, however, will be disappointed to leave without a point after keeping the contest close against one of the league’s traditional heavyweights.
Medeama 3–1 Heart of Lions
Defending champions Medeama SC continued their impressive form with a 3–1 victory over Heart of Lions at the TnA Stadium.
Emmanuel Annor opened the scoring before Kingsley Braye struck twice in the 64th and 65th minutes to put Medeama firmly in control. Kofi Mawutodzi Agbadji scored a consolation goal for Heart of Lions.
The victory took Medeama to 14 points from six matches, preserving their unbeaten record and position at the top of the table. Braye’s quick-fire double underlined the champions’ attacking threat, while Heart of Lions was left to rue their inability to contain the hosts.
Bechem United 4–2 Vision FC
Bechem United staged an impressive fightback to defeat Vision FC 4–2 in one of the round’s most entertaining matches.
After Vision took a 2–1 lead, Yaw Acheampong restored parity before Kofi Tompuo put Bechem ahead late in the game. An own goal in stoppage time completed the victory.
Bechem’s response demonstrated their attacking resilience, while Vision will regret failing to protect their advantage. Despite the four goals, Bechem will also need to address the defensive lapses that allowed their opponents to score twice.
Berekum Chelsea 3–0 Debibi United
Berekum Chelsea recorded a convincing 3–0 victory over Debibi United to move out of the relegation zone.
Stephen Kwakye, Dramani Awuah and Emmanuel Ofosu scored to give the Bibires a much-needed boost. The three goals, coupled with a clean sheet, provided a timely response as Chelsea seek to improve their early-season form.
Debibi United struggled to contain the hosts and will need to strengthen defensively as they adjust to the demands of top-flight football.
Bibiani Gold Stars 2–0 Basake Holy Stars
Bibiani Gold Stars claimed a valuable 2–0 home victory over Basake Holy Stars at Dun’s Park, with Kwame Opoku scoring both goals.
The brace lifted the Miners out of the relegation zone into 14th place, offering some relief after a difficult start. Opoku’s contribution proved decisive as Gold Stars converted their home advantage into three important points.
Basake Holy Stars, meanwhile, failed to find a response and will need to improve their attacking output to avoid further setbacks.
FC AshantiGold ’04 1–0 FC Samartex 1996
FC AshantiGold ’04 ended Samartex’s unbeaten start with a 1–0 victory in Obuasi.
Raphael Ankamah converted a 15th-minute penalty to give the hosts an early lead, which they defended until the final whistle.
The result extends AshantiGold’s home league unbeaten run to 18 matches, reinforcing their strength on familiar territory. For Samartex, the defeat ended a positive opening spell, although their immediate task will be to respond in their next fixture.
Karela United 1–0 Dreams FC
Karela United continued their impressive home form with a narrow win over Dreams FC.
Malik Abubakar scored the decisive goal to secure Karela’s third consecutive home victory and deepen Dreams’ early-season struggles.
Dreams failed to find an equaliser, extending their winless run and increasing the pressure to turn their performances into points. Karela, meanwhile, will hope their home consistency can provide a foundation for a stronger campaign.
Young Apostles 1–0 Aduana FC
Young Apostles ended their three-match losing streak with a hard-fought victory over Aduana FC, who suffered their first defeat after three consecutive wins.
Samuel Prempeh converted a penalty just before half-time to settle the contest. Young Apostles protected their advantage after the break to claim three valuable points and restore confidence.
Aduana will be disappointed to have missed the opportunity to extend their winning run, while Young Apostles will hope the result marks a turning point in their campaign.
By Jesse Otoo
