GPL Review: AshGold maintain top spot as Kotoko end winless run

Ashanti Gold SC kept their 100% home record intact to stretch the lead at the top of the league table to three points when they beat Inter Allies FC 1-0 at the Len Clay Stadium on Saturday.

The hosts welcomed back Amos Addai into the starting lineup whereas Ivorian midfielder, Richard Dali Ella Djodi, was given his first start.

The Elephants made an early incursion in the game in the 12th minute but Shafiu Mumuni’s effort missed the goalposts by a whisker after receiving an excellent pass from Richard Djodi.

Two minutes later, Ashanti Gold SC went ahead after Roland Amouzou connected a pass from the Ivorian midfielder to slot home.

Richard Dali Ella Djodi came very close to getting his goal in the 29th minute but his sublime effort was denied by resolute Inter Allies FC defence.

The guests had their second-half performance improved but failed to utilise it into goals.

The Elephants could have ended the game by a two or more goals margin but all attempts proved futile.

Seven minutes to the end of proceedings, Joseph Gordon had his attempt from inside the box parried away by goalkeeper, Kwame Baah, to end the match in favour of AshGold.

Kumasi Asante Kotoko also braved all odds to beat Wa All Stars at the Malik Jabir Stadium to end their winless run in the league.

A goal in each half courtesy Obed Owusu and Frederick Boateng was all the Kumasi-based side needed to end a difficult few weeks, which saw them go two matches without maximum points.

But for Wa All Stars, the defeat means they have now gone five games without a win with their last victory coming against Berekum Chelsea on 1st April.

Kotoko’s captain, Obed Owusu, led by example by opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time with a great finish.

The hosts fought hard to restore parity but Frederick Boateng scored in 90th minute to seal victory for the Porcupine Warriors.

After struggling to record a win in their last five matches in the league this season, West Africa Football Academy (WAFA) pulled a surprise result by beating Ebusua Dwarfs 2-3 at the Cape Coast Stadium.

The Academy Boys, who were at the clinical best, scaled the hurdle in the 36th minute through an opportunistic effort from Richard Danso.

Dwarfs goalkeeper, Danso Wiredu Mensah, came out of his box with a clearance close to the corner flag but it was poorly taken and Danso shrugged off a challenge to intercept the ball before slotting into the gaping net.

Danso weaved his magic with some skills on the left flank and went past his marker before swinging in a cross, which was connected home by Charles Boateng from inside the box.

Before the half hour mark, Dwarfs had a penalty appeal rejected Osman Mohammed dropped like a stone inside the box.

He went on a solo run into the area and skipped past Richmond Ayi before loosely going down.

As early as the third minute, Ayi had to be alert to parry away Solomon Okudzeto’s header from close range. It was a lovely threaded ball from the middle and Amate went on the run before chipping it over goalie Mensah for the third.

Dwarfs were, however, back into the game in the 66th minute when Solomon Okudzeto directed a cross into the net.

Dwarfs were again awarded a penalty and Osman Mohammed slotted home to double the scoreline.