Medeama SC maintained their slender grip on the Ghana Premier League summit after edging Basake Holy Stars 1-0 at the AAK Ampain Sports Arena yesterday, while Accra Hearts of Oak saw their fading title ambitions finally extinguished following another frustrating stalemate at home.
With defending champions Bibiani Gold Stars having reduced the gap at the top to just two points after being awarded a walkover victory over Hohoe United, the pressure was firmly on Medeama heading into their difficult away assignment.
The league leaders responded in composed fashion, relying on a second-half strike from Kingsley Braye to secure all three points and keep themselves in pole position with only two matches remaining this season.
After a tense and closely fought encounter, Braye finally broke the deadlock in the 71st minute with a calm finish that silenced the home crowd and handed Medeama a priceless victory. The result lifted the Mauve and Yellow to 59 points, with Gold Stars still breathing down their necks on 57.
The title race is now poised for a dramatic finale. Medeama will next host Heart of Lions before ending their campaign away to Hearts of Oak, while Gold Stars travel to face Dreams FC before concluding the season at home against already relegated Eleven Wonders.
In Accra, Hearts of Oak’s hopes of mounting a late title charge officially disappeared after they were held to a goalless draw by Aduana FC at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The Phobians once again struggled in attack, recording their sixth goalless draw in their last eight home matches. With only six points left to play for, Hearts now trail the leaders by eight points, confirming another trophyless campaign.
The contest itself reflected the defensive strengths of both sides. Aduana came closest to scoring in the 70th minute when Emmanuel Marfo surged down the left flank, but Hearts defender Kevin Osei Asibey produced a timely intervention to avert the danger.
As the game wore on, Hearts pushed forward desperately in search of a breakthrough. Mawuli Wayo squandered a promising opportunity in the 79th minute after being picked out by Raphael Amponsah, while Amponsah himself sent a late free-kick over the bar.
Wayo had another chance deep into stoppage time but failed to convert before Aduana cleared the danger.
At the final whistle, frustration and disappointment engulfed the home supporters as Coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani and his players came to terms with another failed title pursuit.
Kotoko win
Elsewhere, Asante Kotoko climbed into the top four courtesy of a 2-0 victory over bottom-side Eleven Wonders at the Baba Yara Stadium. Goals from Lawson Kyei Manu and Anthony Duah sealed a second straight win for the Porcupine Warriors, who moved to 49 points.
FC Samartex suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat away to Heart of Lions, denting their top-four ambitions, while the relegation battle intensified across several venues.
Nations FC were dealt a major setback in their survival fight after losing 1-0 to Young Apostles in Wenchi. Meanwhile, Berekum Chelsea continued their impressive resurgence with a third consecutive victory to move three points clear of the relegation zone.
Vision FC also boosted their survival hopes with an emphatic 3-0 triumph over Karela United in Tema, setting up a thrilling conclusion to both the title race and the battle against relegation.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh
