PL: Medeama maintain lead, Hearts climb, Kotoko stunned

• John Antwi (second left) is joined by other players to celebrate one of his goals

Medeama SC strengthened their grip on the Ghana Premier League (GPL) summit after grinding out a 1-0 victory over Swedru All Blacks at the TnA Stadium on Sunday, while Hearts of Oak climbed to second following an emphatic victory over Heart of Lions on a dramatic Matchday 10.

Kingsley Braye scored the decisive goal in the 38th minute to hand the defending champions all three points, taking their tally to 21 points from 10 matches and opening a one-point lead at the top.

The victory also extended Medeama’s unbeaten home record this season.

Hearts produced an impressive attacking display to thrash Heart of Lions, with experienced forward John Antwi stealing the spotlight with a brace.

Ransford Mensah opened the scoring just two minutes into the encounter before Antwi doubled the advantage with a composed finish from a well-worked set-piece routine.

The former Ghana international then completed his brace two minutes after the restart to seal a convincing victory and propel the Phobians into second place.

Asante Kotoko endured another disappointing afternoon after Berekum Chelsea staged a late comeback to secure a dramatic 2-1 victory at Golden City Park.

Adam Inusah had given the Porcupine Warriors the lead from the penalty spot in the 60th minute, but Zackaria Fuseini restored parity five minutes later before Yussif Bayanalabe struck in the 90+1st minute to complete the turnaround.

The defeat leaves Kotoko languishing in 10th place, while Chelsea move up to ninth.

Bechem United also left it late to maintain their perfect home record, edging FC Samartex 1996 2-1 at the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park.

Augustine Okrah opened the scoring in the 39th minute before Gabriel Osei equalised for the Timber Giants after the break.

Substitute Dennis Modzaka, however, had the final say, scoring deep into stoppage time to secure a fifth consecutive home league victory for the Hunters.

FC AshantiGold 04 and Bibiani GoldStars were left frustrated after settling for goalless draws at home against Young Apostles and Aduana FC respectively.

Port City returned to winning ways with a narrow 1-0 victory over Basake Holy Stars, courtesy of Francis Gyetuah’s 65th-minute strike.

Dreams FC’s struggles continued as they surrendered a late lead to draw 1-1 with debutants Debibi United at home.

Bernard Kokonu converted a 71st-minute penalty to put the Believers ahead, but Kwadwo Obeng Jnr struck in the 91st minute to snatch a point for the visitors.

The result leaves Dreams rooted to the bottom of the table with just seven points from 10 matches, underlining their difficult start to the campaign.

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