Bibiani Gold Stars surrendered top spot in the Ghana Premier League on Sunday after a controlled 2-0 defeat at Karela United, a result that, combined with stumbles from Hearts of Oak, Asante Kotoko and Aduana Stars on the same matchday, has transformed the title race into one of the most open in recent seasons.
Mohammed Awal Alhassan broke the deadlock at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in the 15th minute and Felix Mortu doubled the advantage just before halftime to put the game firmly beyond the visitors. Karela were disciplined after the break, managing the contest effectively to record a result that means they have now beaten all of the current top five teams at home this season.
The defeat dropped Gold Stars off the summit after weeks at the top. The updated standings show a tightly packed cluster, with the new league leader on 49 points and Gold Stars dropping to second. Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko both sit on 43 points in third and fourth respectively, while Aduana Stars are a point further back on 42, and Karela themselves have climbed to sixth on 41.
The day’s other headline fixture ended goalless at the Nana Agyemang Badu I Park in Dormaa, where Aduana Stars hosted Asante Kotoko. Despite Aduana’s dominance in possession and chances, neither side could find the breakthrough, leaving both clubs still within touching distance of the top but missing a critical opportunity to close the gap on Gold Stars before their own defeat was known.
Hearts of Oak fared no better. The Phobians hosted Swedru All Blacks without first-choice goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, who is on international duty with the Black Stars ahead of the World Cup friendlies, with Solomon Agbasi deputying between the posts. The result added to what has been a frustrating run for a club that has drawn 13 of its 27 league matches this season.
In Samreboi, Bechem United produced one of the day’s standout results, claiming a vital 2-1 away win over FC Samartex 1996, with Samuel Okai and Yaw Annor both scoring early to give the visitors a cushion that proved enough despite Samartex’s late first-half response. Nations FC meanwhile maintained their unbeaten home record by drawing 1-1 with Berekum Chelsea, with Brandon Antwi’s late equaliser cancelling out Samuel Tenadu’s opener for the visitors.
With 11 matchdays remaining, the top four are separated by just seven points, and two of the bottom three sides are yet to play their Matchweek 27 fixtures.
