Ghana Premier League: Medeama stretch lead after Adams double
Medeama SC tightened their grip on the Ghana Premier League title race with a commanding 2-0 victory over defending champions Bibiani Gold Stars, while Asante Kotoko’s alarming slide deepened with a third straight defeat in a dramatic Matchday 30 round yesterday.
At a charged Tarkwa and Aboso (TNA) Stadium, Salim Adams delivered a decisive first-half masterclass, scoring twice before the half-time break to propel Medeama five points clear at the summit with just four matches remaining.
Starting the day two points clear, the hosts imposed themselves early, pressing high and forcing errors. Their early dominance nearly yielded a breakthrough on 12 minutes when Bright Boakye Kyere desperately hacked down a menacing Adams, earning a yellow card amid loud appeals for a dismissal.
Breakthrough
Seven minutes later, Medeama had their breakthrough. Kelvin Obeng’s effort struck the arm of Bernard Kesse inside the box and Adams stepped up to calmly dispatch the penalty, sending the home fans into raptures and putting Medeama firmly in command.
Gold Stars threatened a response, with leading scorer Samuel Atta Kumi failing to connect a beautiful team move in the 37th minute. It was a missed opportunity that would prove costly.
Moments before the interval, Adams struck again, curling a magnificent free-kick from the edge of the visitors’ goal area into the net to send the home crowd into celebration.
The second half developed into a more even contest, with both sides creating chances, but Medeama’s defensive discipline and game management kept the scoreline intact to secure a decisive win that lifts Coach Ibrahim Tanko’s side to 56 points, five clear of Gold Stars (51 points).
Hearts of Oak trail on 49 points, while FC Samartex sit fourth on 47 as the title race enters its decisive phase.
Wayo wins day for Hearts
At Abrankese, Mawuli Wayo’s 11th minute strike secured all three points for Hearts of Oak -- their second victory in eight matches since February. Despite the result, the Phobians remain seven points off the pace with time fast running out, while Nations FC’s relegation concerns continue to mount.
FC Samartex, champions two seasons ago, maintained their late push by climbing to fourth with a convincing 3-1 win over Basake Holy Stars at Samreboi.
Akwasi Sarpong opened the scoring before Francis Gyentuah and Christian Agyenim Boateng added further gloss to a dominant display.
Benjamin Tweneboah grabbed a consolation for Holy Stars, who stay ninth on 40 points.
At the Tuba Astro Turf Park, Dreams FC compounded Asante Kotoko’s woes with a clinical 2-0 victory. Al Hajj Oumar Nauffal struck in the first half before Ebenezer Adade sealed the win after the break, condemning the Porcupine Warriors to a third straight loss and a fourth match without victory.
The result sees Dreams FC leapfrog Kotoko into seventh, both sides level on 43 points.
Former champions Aduana FC, meanwhile, missed the chance to strengthen their position in the top four, settling for a goalless draw against Heart of Lions at Dormaa-Ahenkro to remain fifth on 46 points.
Karela United produced the late drama of the round, snatching a 2-1 win over struggling Young Apostles at the Aliu Mahama Stadium in Tamale. Rahman Yaya struck four minutes into stoppage time to seal a vital victory, lifting Karela to sixth on 45 points and leaving their opponents still battling for survival.
