Bofoakwa Tano received a warm welcome from their home fans as they marked their return to the Ghana Premier League after sixteen years with a narrow victory over Real Tamale United (RTU) on Saturday.
The Sunyani-based club secured a 2-1 win against RTU in a matchday two fixture at the Coronation Park, maintaining their unbeaten start to life in the top-flight league.
The difference-maker in the game was a late penalty goal scored by their new signing, Steven Owusu Kakyire, after the team captains had each found the net in the first and second halves of the encounter.
Both coaches decided to field the same starting lineups as they did on the opening day of the season.
Bofoakwa’s midfielder and captain, Saaka Dauda, led by example as he expertly converted a free-kick from the edge of the penalty box, giving Bofoakwa a 1-0 lead in the 16th minute.
The newcomers came close to doubling their advantage just before halftime, but Kelvin Oppong’s determined effort from the center narrowly missed the target.
RTU had a promising opportunity early in the second half that hit the woodwork, causing some nervous moments for the home side.
Real Tamale United’s strong second-half performance eventually paid off when Mohammed Hardi Abdulai leveled the score in the 62nd minute. A cross from Baba Kushibo found Hardi, who tapped the ball into the net.
Bofoakwa was awarded a penalty in the dying minutes of the game when RTU goalkeeper Nana Yaw Afriyie collided with an opponent.
Steven Owusu Kakyire confidently stepped up and placed the ball beyond the goalkeeper’s reach, sealing the victory for Bofoakwa as they secured all three points from the match.
