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Asante Kotoko reclaimed their place at the summit of the Ghana Premier League with a commanding 2-0 victory over Legon Cities in Kumasi yesterday, as domestic football returned after a four-week suspension following the tragic death of Kotoko’s fan Francis Yaw Frimpong (Nana Pooley) during a fiery clash with Nsoatreman FC.
With heightened security at league venues, the Baba Yara Stadium was a cauldron of emotion but the Porcupine Warriors delivered on the pitch, securing a crucial win to leapfrog arch-rivals Hearts of Oak, who had briefly led the table after their triumph over Young Apostles last Saturday.
Patrick Asiedu set Kotoko on their way with a stunning strike in the 28th minute, before Kwame Poku wrapped up the victory with an 88th-minute penalty, sending the home crowd into raptures.
The result sees Kotoko tied on 37 points with Bibiani Gold Stars but ahead on goal difference, while Hearts sit just one point behind in third place.
Elsewhere, former champions Medeama SC staged a thrilling comeback to sink Bechem United 3-1 at the T&A Park. Darivin Yeboah gave the visitors an early lead after just six minutes, but Kamaradini Mamudu restored parity 10 minutes later.
However, Medeama took control in the second half, with Michael Sarpong firing them ahead in the 66th minute before Kelvin Nkrumah sealed the win with a stoppage-time strike. The victory lifts Medeama to fifth in the standings.
Karela United’s struggles continued as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Basake Holy Stars at the Aliu Mahama Stadium.
Alhassan Adamu had put the hosts in front, but Bismark Tayi’s 70th-minute penalty ensured the visitors left Tamale with a share of the spoils. Karela remain in the relegation zone, while Holy Stars sit in ninth place.
Meanwhile, title contenders Bibiani Gold Stars edged out Nations FC 1-0 at the Dun’s Park, thanks to Michael Nkoah’s 68th-minute winner, keeping their title hopes firmly alive.
Berekum Chelsea’s Stephen Amankona was the star of the weekend, netting a sensational hat-trick in their 3-1 triumph over Accra Lions at the Nana Agyemang Badu Park.
The in-form forward struck in the 44th, 52nd, and 72nd minutes to put the game beyond doubt, while David Olubi Akintunde grabbed a late consolation for Lions in the 84th minute.
At the Tuba Astro Turf Park, struggling Dreams FC were left frustrated after being held to a goalless draw at home by Aduana FC.
The result leaves Karim Zito’s side hovering dangerously above the relegation zone in 15th place with just 21 points, while Aduana sit 13th.
Vision FC also endured a frustrating evening as they were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Kpando Heart of Lions, missing the chance to climb further up the table.
