Hearts, Kotoko lose grounds as All Stars stretch lead
Another poor home performance by Accra Hearts of Oak, and a late lifeline by Kotoko captain Amos Frimpong against Sekondi Hasaacas, enabled Wa All Stars to stretch their lead over the traditional giants as the Premier League moved into the homestretch with both Hearts and Kotoko both losing grounds in the title chase.
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All Stars’ 1-0 victory against relegation-threatened New Edubiase United at Bekwai yesterday put the Wa lads in firm control at the top of the log, just a point away from their nearest challengers Aduana Stars — who defeated defending champions AshantiGold 2-0 at Dormaa-Ahenkro — but three points points ahead of third-placed Hearts.
Kotoko, who held Hasaacas to a 1-1 draw at Essipon yesterday, are in fourth position and four points off the leaders.
Yesterday, Kweku Asiedu Baffour’s goal gave Wa All Stars their first win in their last six away games, but the loss deepened the relegation worries of New Edubiase who remain bottom of the 16-club table.
Title chasing Hearts dropped valuable points at home when they were held to a 1-1 draw by relegation-threatened Inter Allies who put up a spirited performance at the Accra Sports Stadium, writes Chris Nunoo.
However, Hearts must thank their stars after an unpardonable goalkeeping error by Inter Allies shot-stopper, Osei Kwame, who gifted the listless Phobians with a point as Portuguese coach Sergio Traguil failed to inspire his side to victory — their third consecutive draw at home.
Inter Allies played with confidence and composure, and compelled the home side to chase their shadows for most part of the first half. They controlled the game and deservedly took the lead in the 41st minute through Ropapa Mensah who put the ball at the blind side of Hearts goalkeeper Samuel Akurugu, after he had managed to block a first attempt at goal.
With defeat staring him in the face, Hearts coach Traguil played all his cards in the second half, introducing Ashietey Ollenu, Paul Acquah and Morcou Badu for Samudeen Ibrahim, Sarbah Laryea and Patrick Razak. Ollenu took control of the midfield and combined effectively with Acquah and soon the tide turned against the visiting side. And in one of their attacks, Ollenu unleashed a sublime cross which Inusah Musah nodded home in the 83rd minute for the equaliser just after Allies’ numerical strength was reduced after their foward Frederick Boateng was sent off for a second bookable offence.
At Essipon, Skipper Frimpong turned saviour for Kotoko when he scored a deserved equalising goal from the spot to keep his side’s title ambitions on course, writes Dotsey Koblah Aklorbortu.
In an exciting end-to-end game, which saw the two opposing goalie make some hair-raising saves, Samuel Afful shot Hasaacas ahead in the 74th minute with a sublime finish to send the home fans into frenzy.
But their joy was cut short three minutes later when Kotoko were awarded a spot kick which Frimpong drilled past goalkeeper George Owu for the equalising goal. It was the Kotoko defender’s eighth goal in 20 starts this season.