Asante Kotoko on Monday afternoon recorded a massive 3-1 victory over the relegated Akyem Kotoku Royals in a final match week 31 fixture of the 2022/23 Ghana Premier League (GPL).
This win marks Asante Kotoko’s first victory in four league games, following two draws and a defeat.
The Porcupine’s impressive victory propels them to the fourth position in the league standings, accumulating 47 points. They now trail the table-topping Medeama SC by a margin of six points, with Medeama SC currently sitting comfortably at 53 points.
The visitors wasted no time in asserting their dominance, as Georges Rodrigue Mfegue, their Cameroonian striker, found the back of the net in the 10th minute to give Asante Kotoko an early lead. Mfegue continued his fine form and extended the lead in the 28th minute, putting the Porcupine Warriors in a commanding position.
Despite their relegation, Kotoku Royals displayed resilience and provided their supporters with something to celebrate, reducing the deficit with Richard Dzikoe’s goal in the 35th minute.
However, Asante Kotoko swiftly regained their two-goal advantage when Rocky Dwamena, a promising young player, scored in the 51st minute, securing a comprehensive victory for Coach Abdul Gazale’s side.
Looking ahead, Asante Kotoko’s next challenge awaits them in a match against Karela United on Sunday. Meanwhile, Kotoku Royals will also be competing against GoldStars on the same day, as they aim to end their season on a positive note despite their relegation.
Medeama SC on Sunday also defeated Hearts of Oak 5-1 at the Accra Sports Stadium to move top of the league log.
The Mauves and Yellow after a decent opening 15 minutes went ahead in the 17th minute, Derrick Fordjour scored with an effort from outside the box. In the 32nd minute, Salifu Ibrahim scored from a spot-kick to make it 1-1, but two minutes later, Medeama regained the lead from a similar situation, Vincent Atingah the scorer.
Before the halftime break, Medeama increased their lead to 3-1, Jonathan Mensah tapped the ball into an empty net after he was up by Derrick Fordjour.
In the second half, Hearts of Oak pushed bodies forward in search of the equalizing goals but were caught at the other end as Jonathan Sowah and skipper Kwasi Donsu scored to wrap up the win for Medeama, 5-1.
At the Crosby Awuah Memorial (CAM) Park, Karela United and Great Olympics played out a pulsating scoreless draw.
Two goals in the opening 15 minutes from Ali Huzaif and Sylvester Simba earned Dreams FC a 2-0 home win against Berekum Chelsea.
Late goals from Evans Osei Wusu and Emmanuel Keyekeh earned Samartex a 2-0 win against King Faisal at the Kwame Kyei Sports Complex.
A brace from Abednego Tetteh in the second half saw Bibiani GoldStars beat Tamale City 2-0 at home. The goals takes his goal scoring tally this season to 14, level with Hafiz Konkoni and Sampson Eduku.
In other results, Accra Lions defeated Aduana FC 3-0 to end a 3-game losing streak. Salifu Apiiga, Evans Botchway and Seidu Bassit grabbed the goals.
At the Nana Fosu Gyeabor Park, Bechem United defeated Legon Cities 1-0 to keep their chances of winning the league alive. Emmanuel Avornyo scored the only goal of the game in the first half.
A goal in the second half scored by Emmanuel Kotei saw Nsoatreman beat Real Tamale United (RTU) 1-0 at home.
ALL GAMEWEEK 31 RESULTS
STANDINGS AFTER GAMEWEEK 31
TOP SCORERS
Names Clubs Goals Hafiz Konkoni Bechem United 14 Sampson Eduku Tamale City 14 Abednego Tetteh King Faisal/Bibiani Gold Stars 14 Afriyie Mezack Berekum CHELSEA 12 Issah Kuka RTU 11 Steven Mukwala Asante Kotoko 11 Vincent Addae Atinga Medeama SC 11 Abass Samari Salifu Accra Lions 9 Andy Kumi Kotoku Royals 9 Richard Dzikoe Kotoku Royals 8 Ali Huzaf Dreams FC 7 Seidu Bassit Accra Lions 7 Isaac Mensah Tamale City 7 Agyenim Boateng Dreams FC 7 Kwesi Donsu Medeama SC 6 Samuel Ofori Nsoatreman FC 6 Isaac Mintah Aduana Stars 6
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