Kotoko, Hearts lose
Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak yesterday suffered defeats in their respective penultimate games of the Ghana Premier League (GPL).
At Bechem, the Porcupine Warriors conceded three quick-fire goals within 15 minutes to leave them with a tall order to climb in the second half.
They improved in the second half but managed to score late in the game to reduce the tally to 3-1.
Still involved in the relegation dog-fight, Bechem United started the game as the aggressors, battling the visitors for an early goal to unsettle them.
Kotoko put up some resistance as E. Kotei, N.S Gilbani, M. Hamzata and Patrick Asiedu mounted a defensive shield to thwart the effort of hungry host.
But that resistance was broken in the 20th minute by R. Dwamena with an impressive strike.
Four minutes later, experienced attacker, Augustine Okrah scored the first of a brace he scored. The second followed in the 35th minute as Kotoko struggled and waited for the halftime whistle for a breather.
Bechem kept probing for more goals but Kotoko defended gallantly to end the half 3-0 down.
With that cushioning, Bechem appeared relaxed in the second half while Kotoko dominated the exchanges, a situation that compelled Coach Seth Osei Wire to effect some changes to manage the game.
That saw Bechem massing up at the back and hoped to catch Kotoko on the counter.
In the 80th minute, Patrick Asiedu managed to pull one back for Kotoko, leaving them with 46 points with Bechem narrowing the gap on Kotoko to two as they improved to 44 points.
Elsewhere at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena in Samreboi, a 54nd minute goal from Gabriel Osei handed Samartex FC a 1-0 victory over Hearts of Oak in a closely contested game, yesterday.
The Phobians had aimed for a top of the table finish with about seven games to end the season.
That ambitious target required them to mount an over five-game winning spree but that dream faded as they lost vital points at home against bottom placed opposition sides.
Against another opposition aiming for a top half finish, the Phobians had it tough battling a Samartex side with a ferocious attacking line up.
That notwithstanding, they had to rely on a substitute, Gabriel Osei to score the only goal of the match.
BY TIMES SPORTS REPORTER
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