Ghana Premier League: Kotoko tops the table; Hearts of Oak rooted in 5th after draw

The second half of the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League resumed with Hearts of Oak traveling to Basake Holy Stars on Sunday, January 26.

The Phobians went into the game from a goalless draw at Samartex in week 17 and were looking for revenge having lost 1-0 against the newly promoted side in the first round.

Hearts of Oak could have taken the lead on the 25th minute but a well laid pass by Afriyie Boateng saw Holy Stars defenders keep Mohammed Hussein at bay.

Goalkeeper Martin Appiah saved a very important moment for Holy Stars on the 33rd minute when he collected Afriyie Boateng’s shot from Martin Karikari’s pass.

Hearts of Oak were dealt a huge blow when midfielder, Martin Karikari was substituted with a bad shoulder injury on the 38th minutes. He was replaced by winger Mawuli Wayo who has been a super-substitute for the record FA Cup holders.

Wayo eventually made his presence felt when was set up perfectly by Mohammed Hussein, however the winger missed the post narrowly just on the stroke of half time. The four minutes of added time for the first half ended with both clubs failing to score.

The second half started with Holy Stars pulling a first incursion from the left side which proved futile.

Hearts of Oak’s second blow came a few minutes later when midfielder, Mohammed Hussein was stretchered off the field with an injury after the Phobians earlier lost Martin Karikari to a shoulder injury.

The Phobians game improved a notch higher but a couple of poor finishes by strikers, Hamza Issah and Afriyie meant the Millennium Champions continued to ask for answers to their goal scoring challenges.

Holy Stars nearly broke the deadlock in added time but Hearts of Oak goalkeeper, Benjamin Asare parried a well taken free kick into corner much to the relief of their fans. It finished goalless in Ainyinase with Hearts of Oak traveling back to the capital with one and on 30 points after 18 matches, remaining on the 5th spot.

Video: Holy Stars 0-0 Hearts of Oak highlights (Credit: Sahara Football Xtra)

Elsewhere at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, Asante Kotoko knicked one past a struggling Karela United with midfielder, Justice Blay’s 64th minute spot kick. The win sent the Porcupine Warriors on top of the league table on 34 points, one better than Gold Stars and Heart of Lions.

Results

Saturday

Accra Lions 1-0 Medeama

Sunday

Legon Cities 1-0 Gold Stars

Holy Stars 0-0 Hearts of Oak

Heart of Lions 2-1 Aduana Stars

Bechem United 2-0 Nations fc

Kotoko 1-0 Karela United

Berekum Chelsea 1-0 Vision

Samartex 1-1 Dreams

Young Apostles 1-0 Nsoatreman

League Table (thru 18 matches)