Match day 5 of the Ghana Premier League provided us with another thrilling round of games across league centres – provided the fans with an equal measure of entertainment and value for money. The league is gradually shaping up with Asante Kotoko and Aduana Stars distinguishing themselves for the league trophy.
Wa All Stars finally recorded their first league win of the season as they pipped travelers Inter Allies on the nick of full time to pick all the points. Another points for the taking was Aduana Stars who sent Hearts of Oak to the gutters with two quick goals in the first half to unsettle them. Kotoko, although uninspiring, did what mattered most with a 90th minute goal to keep their hopes alive. Ashanti Gold were thumped by Berekum Chelsea at the Golden City Park to pick similar score line suffered last season.
Getting us started on match day 5 was Tema Youth hosting Bolga Allstars at the Tema astro turf on Saturday. Both teams haven’t been impressive since gaining promotion into the topflight league.
Tema Youth knowing what is at stake for them started the game very well, pressed the visitors a couples of times to their own half in the first department of the game. Michael Kporvi, hero of the day, scored a brace in a spate of two minutes to make sure Tema Youth carry the day with all three points.
At the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park, Bechem United welcomed Liberty Professionals to a charged atmosphere in Bechem. The Hunters drew one all against Berekum Chelsea in a Bono derby last weekend and had vowed not to leave no stone unturned this time. Hamza Mohammed scored the only goal of the game 16 minutes to full time as Bechem bounced back to winning ways.
Frank Nuttal was given a taste of how the Dormaa fire feels like with two quick goals in the first half to unsettle the Phobians. The Scottish taste his first defeat in the Ghanaian topflight league since taking charge as head coach. Two goals from Daniel Darkwah and Derrick Sasraku – all assisted by captain Godfred Saka from dead ball situations kept the Dormaa boys in the driving seat to carry day.
Current league champions Wa All Stars picked their first three points of the season but have two outstanding matches to be cleared due to their involvement in continental duties.
It wasn’t an easy ride for the defending champions as they were tightly held by Inter Allies till the 96th minute when Wahidu Mumuni converted from the spot to win the day for the Northern Blues.
The early struggles of Accra Great Olympics continue as they failed to beat WAFA at home.
Head coach and club legend Godwin Attram, feeling the pressure from the fans named himself on the bench. After steering things from the bench in their four previous games, he decided to join the action this time. However, things did not turn out the way they wanted as the game ended in a goalless draw.
It was baptism of fire for Ashanti Gold at the Golden City Park at the hands of Berekum Chelsea. The Miners were hammered five goals to one, their second defeat in a row following a 1-0 loss against Kotoko. Stephen Amankoma’s brace, together with Stephen Sarfo, Seth Appiah and Mohammed Braimah ensured the demolition by the home side, whiles former goal king Kofi Owusu got the consolation for Ashanti Gold. The last time they suffered such an away humiliation was on match day 6 last season against Liberty Professional as the game ended in a similar score line.
Home fans at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi were thrown into wild jubilation after Emmanuel Gyamfi scored a 94th minute match winner for Asante Kotoko. Elmina Sharks however proved their worth against Kotoko and were not mere push overs, making the Porcupine Warriors dig deep for the victory.
On Monday afternoon, Ebusua Dwarfs piped Tarkwa-based Medeama SC at the Cape Coast Stadium by a goal to nil. Captain of the side Nicholas Gyan converted the third penalty kick of the week 18 minutes into the game and the hosts held on their slim lead to account for their 2-1 defeat suffered against Inter Allies last week.
Match Day 5 Results
Wa All Stars 1-0 Inter Allies
Aduana Stars 2-0 Hearts of Oak
Great Olympics 0-0 WAFA
Tema Youth 2-0 Bolga Allstars
Asante Kotoko 1-0 Elmina Sharks
Berekum Chelsea 5-1 Ashanti Gold
Bechem United 1-0 Liberty Professionals
Ebusua Dwarfs 1-0 Medeama
