Ghana Premier League: Muntari Strikes Gold For Hearts, Asante Kotoko Held By Bechem United

Sulley Muntari scored for Hearts of Oak on Wednesday to give the Champions their first win in the second round of the Ghana Premier League as they beat WAFA 2-1 in Accra.

The Phobians who had gone four games without a win – a record dating back to January 30, moved to the fifth spot with 29 points.

Hearts of Oak turned things around in the second and scored through Kwadwo Obeng Junior in the 46th minute but the Academy boys equalized 10 minutes later as Derrick Antwi scored an absolute beauty of a free kick to get his side back into the game.

The game became even as both sides kept pushing for the winning goal. Accra Hearts of Oak came into the game buoyed by Friday’s 2-1 win against rivals Asante Kotoko in the Presidents Cup. That win played a major part in the game as they showed character and composure all afternoon.

With about 15 minutes left to end proceedings, Sulley Muntari scored from the spot to restore their lead after WAFA goalkeeper Osei Kwadwo Bonsu fouled Obeng Junior in the box.

The former Inter Milan star stepped up and converted a penalty to make it 2-1 for Hearts to cancel Derrick Antwi’s equalizer. The 37-year-old now has two goal contributions since joining the reigning Ghanaian champions last month. He registered an assist two weeks ago in the 1-1 draw against Legon Cities.

The win takes Hearts of Oak to the 5th spot with 29 points – 12 points behind leaders Asante Kotoko who lead the table with 41 points as WAFA continues to wallow in the bottom half – 17th in the table with 18 points from 19 Premier League matches.

Earlier on Tuesday, leaders Asante Kotoko were held 0-0 by Bechem United at the Fosu Gyeabuor Park in a keenly contested encounter that saw Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim make brilliant saves to win them a vital away point.

In Techiman – Eleven Wonders came from a goal from a goal down to draw 1-1 with Berekum Chelsea at the Ohene Ameyaw Park.  Chelsea scored in the first half through Osei Owusu in the 2nd minute before Sumaila Moro pulled parity in the 44th minute as the two first half goals settled matters in the Bono derby at Techiman.

At the Crosby Awuah Memorial Park at Aiyinase – Kelvin Andoh scored a brace as Karela United came from behind to beat AshabntiGold 2-1 at home. The Miners opened the scoring through Eric Esso in the 15th minute after the host struggled to clear a ball sent into their vital area. Andoh equalized in the 37th minute before adding the second goal in the 53rd minute.

Bottom placed Elmina Sharks suffered their 13th defeat of the season as they fell 2-0 to Dreams FC at the Theatre of Dreams at Dawu. The hosts scored in either half through Agyenim Boateng and Issah Ibrahim to get themselves back on winning ways after the 2-0 loss to Asante Kotoko last week.

Bibiani Gold Stars battled to a 1-0 win over Medeama SC at DUN’s Park at to move to the 11th place in the League log with 23 points. New signing Steven Owusu netted what proved to be the match winner after a solo run just three minutes into the second half.

In the Accra derby – Accra Lions and Accra Great Olympics drew goalless at the Accra Sports stadium.

King Faisal suffered their second home defeat against Aduana Football Club at the Baba Yara Stadium as the visitors coasted to a 1-0 win. Bright Adjei scored the only goal of the match – his 12th of the season after he was picked out by Prince Acquah.

Finally, Legon Cities rallied from behind to draw 1-1 with Real Tamale United at the Aliu Mahama stadium on Saturday. Mohammed Suleiman scored a powerful header in the 58th minute to give Legon Cities a vital away point as they cancelled Issah Kuka’s 26th minute strike.

By: Ghanafa