GPL title chase blown wide open as Hearts, Kotoko stumble
The Ghana Premier League title race took a dramatic twist over the weekend as Accra Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko both dropped vital points, allowing Bibiani Gold Stars to join Kotoko at the summit and inject new life into the battle for the crown.
Hearts’ bid to return to the top of Ghanaian football suffered a setback on Sunday, April 13, after they were held to a 1-1 draw by struggling Vision FC at the Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex in Tema.
The Phobians took the lead through Kelvin Osei Asibey in the 38th minute, capitalising on a dreadful goalkeeping error.
But Vision FC came out with renewed energy after the break and found the equaliser just two minutes into the second half through a sensational strike by Meshack Sowah Adjetey.
Despite enjoying large spells of possession and pushing for a winner, Hearts lacked sharpness in the final third and failed to break down a determined Vision side.
The result sees Hearts drop to fifth on the table with 40 points — five behind the leaders — while Vision FC, who are embroiled in a relegation battle, cling to 14th place with 29 points.
Kotoko were left to rue missed chances on home soil as they were pegged back by Bechem United in a pulsating 1-1 draw at the Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi.
Bechem took a shock lead through Darlvin Yeboah in the 59th minute, silencing the home crowd. Kotoko responded through Albert Amoah’s controversial penalty in the 80th minute — a decision that left the visitors furious and sparked heated protests.
With the draw, Kotoko remain top of the table on 47 points but are now joined by Bibiani Gold Stars, whose superior form makes the title race far from a foregone conclusion. Bechem, quietly climbing the ranks, are now 6th with 40 points.
Gold Stars continued their impressive home run with a narrow yet crucial 1-0 win over Young Apostles at the Dun’s Park.
Alex Esso’s well-timed goal just before the break was enough to seal the points.
The Miners are now level on 47 points with Kotoko, although they trail on goal difference. However, their consistency at home and resilience on the road are making them serious title contenders in what is shaping up to be a photo finish.
Karela United gave their survival hopes a massive boost with a 2-0 victory over Aduana FC at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium.
Star man Adamu Alhassan struck in the 13th and 52nd minutes to bag a brace and inspire his side’s seventh win of the campaign.
The win moves Karela to 28 points — still in dangerous waters but now just above the relegation zone.
At the Golden City Park, Berekum Chelsea eked out a hard-fought 1-0 win over Heart of Lions thanks to Zackaria Fuseini’s 17th-minute strike.
The victory pushes Chelsea to 10th on the log with 37 points, while Lions slip to eighth, having failed to build on recent positive results.
