Ghana PL wrap: first round closes
Kumasi was a jubilant place on Sunday evening after all the results of the league's games were confirmed, for Kotoko had been able to open a four point gap at the top. Hearts could only have themselves to blame - as was hinted in the preview - and Berekum Chelsea also ended positively. Here's a summary.
Edubiase 1-0 AshGold
Emmanuel Baffour will not be sure what to do for his services to be used in the national team. Days after being dropped for the team for Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, he scored for his side to win at home. It's now 12 goals in 13 games for the lad.
Kotoko 2-1 Medeama
There were a lot of jangled nerves, but Michael Akuffo's 13th minute penalty and a second by Daniel Nii Adjei secured all points for the reds, despite Tanko Mohammed's goal in between.
Hearts 2-2 Lions
The Phobian family will not be thrilled with this result, which was a fine one for the neutrals. Douglas Nkrumah opened the scoring for Hearts only for Benjamin Fadi, who did not play well in Lions last home game, to restore parity. Mahatma Otoo has found his scoring boots again and put Hearts ahead for the second time this game. And then Emmanuel Anaafi got his second in as many games. Lions continue their good away form in the league.
Chelsea 1-0 Aduana
The current champions put a semblance of pressure on the top two of the league with this victory, garnered Aduana Stars in Berekum. The goal came from Richard Kissi Boateng.
Dwarfs 2-0 Tema Youth
Both sides needed to make a statement about their contrasting forms, but it was Dwarfs who found their rhythm after a shaky start from the Christmas break. Their return to fitness showed, getting two goals before halftime. A penalty on 25 minutes was put away by Kwame Frimpong. Ten minutes before halftime Nick Gyan wrapped it up for the home side to get a top six place assured.
Wassaman United 2-2 Bechem United
Amid strong hints that Herbert Addo will be sacked, Wassaman gave him a last hurrah in Sekondi. The home side were even lucky to get a point after Bechem had twice shot ahead. Richard Addae put away Bechem's first goal which was cancelled by Abubakar Mahadi. Addae, as enterprising as ever, scored again in what looked like another defeat for Wassaman but Jordan Mintah saved their skin with a late goal. As it turned out, Herbert Addo was sacked on Sunday evening.
All Stars 0-0 Liberty
A long trek to Wa saw Liberty play a disciplined game to finish the game goalless. All Stars had been looking for a comfortable top four finish and though they got it, their points accumulation means there's more work to do get a historic league title.
Saturday
Mighty Jets beat Berekum Arsenals 2-0, of which the match report is available elsewhere on the site.
All the scores
Asante Kotoko 2-1 Medeama SC
Scorers: Michael Akuffo (pen), Daniel Nii Adjei; Tanko Mohammed
Wassaman United 2-2 Bechem United
Scorers: Abubakar Mahadi, Jordan Mintah; Richard Addai (2)
Mighty Jets 2-0 Berekum Arsenal (Saturday)
Scorers: Tamimu Muntari (pen), Abubakar Mahadi
Berekum Chelsea 1-0 Aduana Stars
Scorer: Richard Kissi Boateng
Hearts of Oak 2-2 Heart of Lions
Scorers: Douglas Nkrumah, Mahatma Otoo; Benjamin Fadi, Emmanuel Anaafi
Wa All Stars 0-0 Liberty Professionals
New Edubiase United 1-0 Ashanti Gold
Scorer: Emmanuel Baffour
Dwarfs 2-0 Tema Youth
Scorers: Kwame Frimpong (pen), Nicholas Gyan