GPL: Kotoko, Medeama share points, Samartex climb, Hearts stunned

THE Ghana Premier League (GPL) Matchday 9 weekend delivered an exciting mix of dramatic comebacks, derby victories and unexpected results, with Asante Kotoko and Medeama SC sharing the spoils in Kumasi, FC Samartex 1996 climbing to second place, and Hearts of Oak suffering a setback against debutants Debibi United.

Kotoko and Medeama played out an entertaining 1-1 draw in the weekend’s headline fixture at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

Usman Safianu gave the defending champions the lead in the 42nd minute before Kotoko captain, Musah Hamzarat, restored parity with a powerful header in the 55th minute.

The result keeps Medeama at the summit with 18 points, level with Samartex, while Kotoko slip to 10th with 13 points.

Samartex strengthened their title credentials with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Gold Stars in the Western derby.

Christian Agyenim Boateng converted a 25th-minute penalty to secure the Timber Giants’ fourth win of the campaign and lift them to second place, level on points with league leaders, Medeama.

Hearts of Oak’s three-match winning streak came to an end following a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Debibi United at Debibi Presby Park.

Sarkodie Demetrous scored the decisive goal in the 51st minute, handing the debutants a valuable victory and lifting them out of the relegation zone.

The Phobians, meanwhile, dropped to third in the standings.

FC AshantiGold 04 produced one of the weekend’s standout performances, coming from behind to defeat Swedru All Blacks 2-1 at the Swedru Sports Stadium.

Faisal Charwetey put the hosts ahead in the seventh minute, but Zak Musah equalised for the Elephants seven minutes later. Frederick Twumasi then struck in the 77th minute to complete the comeback, ending AshantiGold’s difficult run of away results.

Aduana FC also celebrated a significant victory, defeating regional rivals, Berekum Chelsea, 2-0 at the Nana Agyeman Badu I Park in Dormaa Ahenkro.

Stephen Amankona scored twice, finding the net in the 43rd and 50th minutes to secure a comfortable Bono derby triumph.

Dreams FC finally recorded their first league victory of the season, stunning Basake Holy Stars 1-0 at the AAK II Sports Arena.

Bernard Kokonu scored the decisive goal in the 50th minute, shortly after the hosts were reduced to 10 men following Bismark Teye’s dismissal in the 33rd minute.

Young Apostles and Karela United, meanwhile, settled for a goalless draw in a closely contested encounter.

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