Bibiani: Bibiani Gold Stars ended Hearts of Oak's six-match unbeaten run on Sunday with a 2-1 home victory, moving the champions to within a point of Ghana Premier League (GPL) leaders Medeama SC.
According to Ghana News Agency, Gold Stars, who have now won four consecutive league matches, opened the scoring with Samuel Atta Kumi finding the net in the 15th minute. Hearts of Oak managed to equalize through Henry Kwaku Boateng, but it was Augustine Boakye who secured the win for the Miners late in the second half. This victory brings Gold Stars to 45 points, just one behind the league leaders Medeama, while Hearts of Oak remains in third place with 40 points.
Medeama SC saw their lead at the top narrow after being held to a goalless draw by Swedru All Blacks at the Swedru Sports Stadium. The draw leaves Medeama at 46 points, as Gold Stars continues to close the gap in the title race.
Elsewhere, Asante Kotoko faced frustration at the Baba Yara Stadium, where they were held to a 0-0 draw by Vision FC. This was despite Vision FC playing with ten men for the final 21 minutes following Mohammed Awudu's red card. Kotoko remains fourth on the table, seven points adrift of the top spot.
In other matches, Dreams FC strengthened their bid to avoid relegation with a 1-0 home win over Aduana FC, thanks to a goal from captain John Antwi in the 67th minute. Hohoe United also improved their survival chances by defeating FC Samartex 1996 with a narrow 1-0 victory, secured by Kekeli Attor in the early part of the second half.
Basake Holy Stars continued their strong home form, overcoming Heart of Lions, who were reduced to ten men in the first half. Prince Tweneboah's goal ensured back-to-back home victories for Holy Stars, distancing them further from the relegation zone.
At Golden City Park, Berekum Chelsea salvaged a late 1-1 draw against Young Apostles. Richmond Opoku initially put the visitors ahead, but Benjamin Abaidoo equalized deep into stoppage time.
In Bechem, United and Karela United played out a tense 0-0 draw. Bechem United finished the match with ten men after Rasco Abassah London received a late red card, but Karela United could not capitalize on the numerical advantage. Karela sits seventh on the league table with 35 points, while Bechem United drops to 12th.
Scores from week 24:
- Asante Kotoko 0-0 Vision FC
- Basake Holy Stars 1-0 Heart of Lions
- Bechem United 0-0 Karela United
- Berekum Chelsea 1-1 Young Apostles FC
- Gold Stars FC 2-1 Hearts of Oak
- Dreams FC 1-0 Aduana FC
- Hohoe United FC 1-0 FC Samartex 1996
- Swedru All Blacks FC 0-0 Medeama SC
- Techiman Eleven Wonders 0-2 Nations FC