GPL week nine wrap: Kotoko held as Hearts fall

On a day when they were tipped to pick three points, Asante Kotoko felt only one was enough as they played out a 0-0 draw with Inter Allies on matchday nine of the Ghana Premier League on Sunday.

Tied with Aduana Stars at the top of the table ahead of the matchday, coupled with the 'Ogya' Boys' delayed week nine fixture with Wa All Stars which has been set for Wednesday, Asante Kotoko needed full points to safeguard their place at the summit.

The Porcupine Warriors still find themselves at the top and now with a point lead despite Sunday's deadlock, but the privilege could last for only three days should Aduana beat All Stars on Wednesday.

Wafa, meanwhile, has caught up with Aduana on 17 points following a 1-0 away triumph at Bechem United. Daniel Lomotey fetched the winner at the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park. The Academy Boys have now won four of their last five matches.

At the Golden City Park, eighth-placed Hearts of Oak suffered their third defeat of the season by a 1-0 away reversal to Berekum Chelsea. Stephen Sarfo's goal on 22 minutes was the separating factor.

On their ninth time of asking, Great Olympics recorded their first season win on the pitch, Bernardino Osah Tetteh emerging the hero of the day with a third-minute strike. The 'Dade' Boys, now 12-placed, have moved out of the relegation zone for the first time this campaign.

Bolga All Stars managed to get an away point at the Obuasi Len Clay Stadium, holding Ashanti Gold to a 1-1 draw. Nonetheless, the new boys still find themselves rock-bottom of the table. Ashgold's Shafiu Mumuni and All Stars' Noah Neequaye cancelled out each other after Hans Kwoffie missed a fourth-minute penalty for the home side.

Elsewhere, Tema Youth and Medeama settled for a point each at the Tema Stadium. Benjamin Bature restored parity on 68 minutes for the away side after Michael Kporvi opened the scoring in the sixth minute. The Yellow and Mauves have now gone six games without a win, leaving them third from the bottom.

And earlier on Saturday, Liberty Professionals had Ernest Papa Arko's second half equaliser to thank for their 1-1 away draw at Elmina Sharks. Benjamin Tweneboah opened the scoring in the first half.