Sports
Premier League: Kotoko back to winning ways; Vision stun Gold Stars; Karela United and Legon Cities in relegation trouble
Asante Kotoko closed the gap at the top of the Ghana Premier League to just three points after edging past Aduana FC 1-0 in an entertaining encounter at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday, April 27, 2025.
Kwame Poku’s 26th-minute strike proved decisive as the Porcupine Warriors secured a hard-fought victory. Despite remaining in fourth place, Kotoko have reignited their title ambitions, now trailing leaders Gold Stars by only three points with five matches left in the season. Aduana FC, meanwhile, sit 11th with 38 points after 29 games.
At the Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex, league leaders Gold Stars suffered a major setback, falling 2-0 to Vision FC. Edward Agyemang (55’) and Edmond Asante (86’) scored to secure a vital win for the hosts, lifting Vision FC to 14th — four points clear of the relegation zone. Gold Stars, however, remain atop the standings with 53 points.
Second-placed Nations FC missed an opportunity to capitalize, suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat at Berekum Chelsea. Stephen Amankona’s 29th-minute penalty was enough for Chelsea, who now move up to 8th, while Nations FC stay just two points behind the summit.
Defending champions FC Samartex 1996 maintained their strong finish to the season with a commanding 3-0 home victory over Basake Holy Stars. An early goal from Baba Musah Hamadu and a brace from Emmanuel Mammah sealed the win at the Nsenkyire Arena. Samartex sit 5th with 45 points, while Holy Stars continue to struggle in 12th position, hovering dangerously close to the relegation scrap.
Legon Cities’ survival hopes took another blow after a 1-0 home defeat to title-chasing Heart of Lions. Christian Agyenim Boateng’s first-half strike consigned Cities to their 18th loss of the season. With just 25 points, Cities are firmly rooted in the bottom three and staring relegation in the face. Lions, meanwhile, are tied on points with Kotoko in third and remain firmly in the title race, only three points off the top.
Karela United’s woes deepened with a 2-1 home loss to Dreams FC at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium. First-half goals from Abdul Razak Salifu and Joseph Esso gave Dreams a comfortable cushion before Malik Abubakar pulled one back for Karela. However, the hosts couldn’t find an equalizer and remain mired in the relegation zone, while Dreams solidify their mid-table position
With only five games remaining, the race for the title and the battle for survival are both set for a thrilling climax.
Accra Hearts of Oak has lodged a formal complaint with the Ghana Police Service over an incident involving police officers and the club’s supporters’ leader during Sunday’s match against Asante Kotoko at the Accra Sports Stadium.
According to the club’s management, some uniformed officers allegedly manhandled the chairman of the National Chapters Committee (NCC), Yussif Abdullai, and the club’s Safety and Security Officer, Abdul Baaki Musah, while they were performing their official duties.
The club described the incident as unfortunate, stressing that it was caught on camera and had caused distress among supporters and stakeholders.
Hearts said such conduct undermines the spirit of safety and mutual respect that should guide Ghana’s football environment.
In a statement signed by management, the club called for a thorough investigation into the alleged misconduct to ensure accountability and protect the safety of all football fans.
Hearts of Oak urged supporters to remain calm while the Police conduct their investigations.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Spectator
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Accra Hearts of Oak midfielder Mohammed Hussein has issued a public apology following an incident after the team’s recent match against rivals Asante Kotoko.
In a personal statement, Hussein expressed regret for his actions after the final whistle, acknowledging that his behaviour fell short of the respect expected by his club, teammates, fans, and the wider football community.
“I sincerely apologise to the Ghana Football Association, the referee, my teammates, our cherished supporters, and the wider football community. What happened after the final whistle was unacceptable, and I take full responsibility for my behaviour,” he said.
Hussein explained that he became frustrated during the game, feeling he was repeatedly fouled without adequate protection from the referees.
“In that moment of emotion, I allowed frustration to cloud my judgment. Instead of showing restraint and respect, I reacted wrongly and I regret it deeply,” he added.
He offered a direct apology to the match referee, acknowledging the challenges referees face in ensuring fairness.
“To the referee involved, I am truly sorry for confronting you in the manner that I did. I respect the difficult role referees play and humbly ask for your forgiveness,” he said.
Hussein pledged to learn from the incident, promising to remain calm under pressure and uphold the dignity of both his club and Ghanaian football.
“I will work harder to remain calm under pressure, to honour the phobia badge I love and wear, and to uphold the dignity of our beautiful game,” he said.
By: Jacob Aggrey
