Ghana Premier League: Medeama fall as FC Samartex, Hearts turn up heat

Medeama SC’s unbeaten start to the Ghana Premier League season came crashing down at the Nsenkyire Arena yesterday as Christian Agyenim struck deep into stoppage time to hand FC Samartex a dramatic 2-1 victory and blow the title race wide open.

The defeat left Medeama clinging to top spot on goal difference, with Hearts of Oak and FC Samartex joining them on 14 points after seven matches.

Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Aduana FC also returned to winning ways, adding fresh intrigue to an increasingly congested league table.

In Samreboi, FC Samartex drew first blood through Joshuah Fuseini in the 54th minute, only for Dominic Amponsah to restore parity in the 79th. With the contest seemingly heading for a draw, Agyenim struck three minutes into added time to secure a statement victory for the Timber Giants.

Hearts took full advantage of Medeama’s slip, edging Vision FC 1-0 at the Nii Adjei Kraku Complex in Tema New Town last Saturday to record successive victories.

Kwesi Asmah delivered the decisive blow in the 86th minute, pouncing on a loose clearance inside the penalty area before drilling home with his left foot. Having beaten Port City the previous weekend, the Phobians are now firmly in the early title conversation.

In Kumasi, Kotoko banished the disappointment of their defeat to Swedru All Blacks with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Young Apostles at the Baba Yara Stadium.

After a frustrating opening hour, Hubert Gyau broke the deadlock in the 70th minute before Solomon Nsor Asaah doubled the advantage 12 minutes later.

Huziaf Iddrisu’s late free-kick gave the visitors hope, but the Porcupine Warriors held firm to climb to sixth, leaving Young Apostles in the relegation zone.

Aduana also responded to their previous setback, beating FC AshantiGold 04 1-0 at the Nana Agyeman Badu Park.

Abubakar Adams reacted quickest to a rebound from Seidu Saana’s free-kick to score the winner in the 40th minute. AshantiGold’s hopes of recovering suffered another blow when Akwasi Afari was sent off.

In Kpando, Berekum Chelsea claimed their first away victory of the campaign, stunning Heart of Lions 2-0 despite the hosts enjoying more possession. Dramani Awuah struck in the 39th minute before Paul Attah Agyei doubled the advantage in the 69th.

Elsewhere, Swedru All Blacks extended their impressive home form with a 2-0 victory over Karela United. Eric Wiafe Darkwah converted a ninth-minute penalty before setting up Faisal Charwetey in the 59th, securing consecutive wins for the Black Magicians.

Basake Holy Stars preserved their perfect home record through Bismark Teye Tetteh’s second-half winner against Bechem United. The 1-0 result lifted Holy Stars to fifth and extended Bechem’s winless league run against them to five meetings.

Debibi United escaped the relegation zone with a precious 1-0 victory over Bibiani Gold Stars, Maxwell Agyemang scoring just before half-time to end the newcomers’ three-match winless streak. Both clubs now have seven points.

Bottom club Dreams FC, meanwhile, snatched a 1-1 draw at Port City through Kelvin Ahiable’s stoppage-time equaliser after Samuel Aryee Baadu had put the hosts ahead shortly after the restart.