Ghana Premier League: Medeama tear Kotoko apart, storm back to top spot
Medeama SC produced a ruthless, title-chasing performance to dismantle Asante Kotoko 4-0 in a stunning showdown at the TNA Stadium in Tarkwa, surging back to the top of the Ghana Premier League with just five matches remaining.
In a contest billed as a potential title decider, it was anything but close.
The “Mauve and Yellow”, handled by Coach Ibrahim Tanko, tore into their illustrious opponents with a blend of defensive steel and clinical finishing, racing into a commanding 3-0 lead by half-time and never looking back in a statement victory that could define the title race.
Ruthless Medeama
Kotoko’s nightmare began in the 14th minute when defender, Henry Kwame Ansu, inadvertently turned the ball into his own net to gift Medeama the opener.
Four minutes later, the hosts doubled their advantage as Kelvin Obeng rose highest to power home a thunderous header.
Shell-shocked but searching for a response, Kotoko pushed forward, only to be picked apart again. Salim Adams struck in the 34th minute to make it 3-0, sending the Tarkwa faithful into raptures.
If there was any hope of a Kotoko revival, Adams extinguished it five minutes after the restart, completing his brace with a composed finish to cap a man-of-the-match display and seal a crushing defeat for the Porcupine Warriors—their second in succession and are without a win in the last three matches.
The emphatic win lifts Medeama to 53 points after 29 matches, two clear of defending champions Bibiani Gold Stars, whose title defence took another hit against Aduana FC who snatched a thrilling 2-1 victory at the Nana Agyemang Badu Park.
After a cagey first half, teenage sensation Benjamin Tsivanyo broke the deadlock in the 59th minute to give the home side an advantage before Razack Sanou restored parity for the visitors in the 77th minute.
However, in a heart-stopping finale, Emmanuel Marfo coolly converted from the penalty spot to give the home side an important victory eight minutes into stoppage time to propel Aduana into fourth place on 45 points, while Gold Stars suffered their third straight away defeat.
Vision FC stun Hearts
There was late drama in Tema, where Vision FC stunned Hearts of Oak 1-0 at the Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex. Just as the match appeared destined for a stalemate, Benjamin Kwarteng struck deep into injury time to end Hearts’ six-game unbeaten run.
The defeat leaves Hearts trailing the leaders by seven points, while Vision FC climb to 11th on 38 points, creating vital breathing space in the relegation battle.
In Samreboi, former champions FC Samartex 1996 continued their resurgence with a narrow but crucial 1-0 win over Berekum Chelsea.
Mohammed Alhassan Mankuyeli’s early strike in the eighth minute proved decisive, lifting the ‘Timber Boys’ to fifth on 44 points—one place and one point above Kotoko—while Chelsea slipped back into the drop zone on 35 points.
There was a goal fest at the Tuba Astro Turf Park, where Dreams FC staged a sensational second-half comeback to thrash already-relegated Eleven Wonders FC 5-1. Eden Kofi Asamoah had given Wonders a surprise half-time lead, but Dreams FC responded in devastating fashion after the half-tme break.
Suraj Seidu bagged a brace, while veteran striker John Antwi, Jonathan Normoden and Godfred Sarpong added their names to the scoresheet in a dominant turnaround that lifts Dreams to 40 points.
At Abrankese, Nations FC boosted their survival hopes with a 2-0 win over Basake Holy Stars, courtesy of a first-half double from Samuel Tetteh.
Nations move to 38 points in 12th, while Holy Stars remain ninth on 40 points.
The Aliu Mahama Stadium in Tamale witnessed the only draw of the weekend as Karela United and Kpando Heart of Lions shared the spoils in a 2-2 encounter.
In Wenchi, the relegation battle intensified as Young Apostles edged Swedru All Blacks 1-0 thanks to Richmond Opoku’s ninth-minute strike.
The result lifts Apostles to 14th on 36 points, just above the drop, with All Blacks a point behind in 15th.
