Ghana Football
Steven Mukwala’s brace sinks Hearts of Oak into relegation battle
Ugandan striker Steven Mukwala scored two wonderful goals as Asante Kotoko defeated Hearts of Oak for the second time this season.
The victory completes Kotoko’s double against their arch-rivals, following a stunning 3-2 triumph earlier this season.
Mukwala, who was also on target in the last game, scored twice to help Kotoko win 2-0 at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Both clubs have suffered this season, but Kotoko came into the game with a two-point advantage over Hearts of Oak, and they demonstrated their supremacy with an outstanding performance.
Mukwala scored the Porcupine Warriors’ first goal in the eighth minute, surpassing his opponents to latch onto a long ball and handle it well before putting it in.
He secured the victory in the 95th minute with a fantastic effort, cutting inside from the left and blasting a shot beyond the custodian.
After removing his jersey, the Ugandan striker drew a yellow card for excessive celebration.
The victory moves Kotoko into the top half of the standings, moving them up to ninth position and further away from the relegation zone.
Meanwhile, Hearts of Oak find themselves in a difficult situation, 14th in the standings and only two points above the drop zone.
They face relegation if they do not improve in their next three games of the season, which is a stunning prospect for a club with such a long history as one of Africa’s top clubs.
Ghana Football
2023/24 GHPL MD33 Wrap: Karela United stuns champions FC Samartex; Hearts and Olympics split spoils
Matchday 33 of the 2023/24 Ghana Premier League finished with a variety of exciting matchups at nine different sites.
On Saturday, Real Tamale United suffered a 2-0 defeat at the Naa Sheriga Sports Complex against Asante Kotoko. This defeat at home confirmed RTU’s destiny, sending them to the Division One League.
Meanwhile, the Accra Lions demonstrated their abilities in the Accra Sports Stadium, defeating Dreams FC 1-0 and extending their excellent record.
Karela United defeated previously anointed winners FC Samartex 4-2 at the Naa Sheriga Sports Complex on Sunday. Aduana FC, on the other hand, settled for a 2-2 draw with Nsoatreman FC at Nana Agyemang Badu Park in Dormaa.
In other matches, Bibiani Gold Stars defeated reigning champions Medeama SC 2-0 at DUN’s Park, while Heart of Lions easily defeated Legon Cities 2-0 at Kpando Sports Stadium.
Bofoakwa Tano lost narrowly 1-0 to Berekum Chelsea at Sunyani Coronation Park, while Nations FC drew 1-1 at home with Bechem United.
To cap off the weekend, Hearts of Oak and city rivals Great Olympics drew 0-0 at home in a thrilling relegation fight.
FC Samartex, Accra Lions, Aduana FC, and Berekum Chelsea now hold the top four league positions, while Great Olympics, Bofoakwa Tano, and Real Tamale United are relegated.
𝗙𝗨𝗟𝗟 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘
Real Tamale United 0–2 Asante Kotoko
Accra Lions 1-0 Dreams FC
Karela United 4–2 FC Samartex
Aduana FC 2-2 Nsoatreman FC
Bibiani Gold Stars 2-0 Medeama SC
Heart of Lions 2-0 Legon Cities
Bofoakwa Tano 0-1 Berekum Chelsea
Nations FC 1-1 Bechem United
Hearts of Oak 0-0 Great Olympics
In the 2023/2024 FA Cup final at the Legon Sports Stadium, Army Ladies defeated Police Ladies by a goal to nil to win their first-ever medal in the women’s division.
Ultimately in the first half, both teams had to settle for a draw, a test of strength as the two services prepared to fight on the pitch. Spectators liked seeing the exciting midfield action and the coaches’ tactical dexterities.
The first move to unsettle an opponent’s midfield’s ball control was undertaken by Army Ladies. After nine minutes, Latifa Mohammed’s 18-yard header from a low corner kick was ruled out for offside.
Adama Alhassan attempted a poor free kick outside the area within 15 minutes. However, Sophia Agyakwaa’s powerful free-kick into the area was denied by a spectacular save by the Army goalie, keeping the Army Ladies in the game.
On the 30th-minute mark, Mary Sasu made a fantastic save after Agyakwaa attempted a fast pass for Mawusi Agbeyo, but her run was cut short. Deborah Opoku surged past her opponents with fantastic talent, but in the 44th minute, the Police goalkeeper made a simple save that should have given them the lead in the first half.
The second half began well for both teams, with some excellent passes exchanged. Deborah Opoku broke the deadlock early in the second half after capitalizing on the goalkeeper’s error. Sophia’s aggressive press took the ball from her defender after a good run into the area and a pass to Mary Berko, however, the Army Ladies centre-backs blocked a strong shot she tried.
Deborah Opoku was sent off in the 75th minute after receiving a second warning for Army Ladies which gave her opponents a significant advantage. Mary Sasu dominated the post with tremendous dives in the 84th and 86th minutes to keep Army Ladies in the lead.
Bernice Arhinful’s unpardonable miss in the dying embers of the game may have taken the game to an extra time. Police Ladies’ last-minute attempt wasn’t enough to share spoils, as they were beaten by a goal to none.
Asante Kotoko’s coach, Prosper Narteh Ogum, feels his club did not deserve to lose to Berekum Chelsea.
On Matchday 30, the Porcupine Warriors lost 2-1 to Chelsea at Golden City Park.
Steven Mukwala gave Kotoko the lead, but Stephen Amankona equalised for the home side, bringing the first half to a draw.
Samuel Boadu’s squad sealed the victory late in the second half with a goal from Mezack Afriyie.
After the match, Narteh Ogum voiced his unhappiness over lost opportunities.
“We deserved to win.” We played better and had some good opportunities that we might have taken, but you saw it,” he explained.
“I do not wish to mention that person’s name. Intimidation, that is all,” he said.
However, Asante Kotoko will look to return to winning ways when they meet rivals Hearts of Oak at the Baba Yara Stadium next weekend on Matchday 31.
The setback drops the Reds to 11th place in the league table, with 40 points.
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