The Ghana Premier League Match Day 31 delivered thrilling action, with crucial results shaping the title race, top-four battles, and the fight against relegation.
AhotorSports takes you through an in-depth look at the matches and their implications for the remaining three matchdays of the 2024/25 season.
Asante Kotoko 4-1 Dreams FC
At the Baba Yara Stadium, Asante Kotoko produced a commanding performance to keep their title aspirations firmly intact. Albert Amoah opened the scoring in the 16th minute with a well-taken effort, capitalizing on a defensive lapse.
Kwame Poku doubled the lead in the 40th minute with a clinical finish and added his second in the 56th, showcasing his growing influence in Kotoko’s attack. Dreams FC pulled one back through Nemorden in the 50th minute, briefly threatening a comeback, but Nigerian import Bassey sealed the win in the 71st minute, exploiting chaotic defending to make it 4-1.
This victory leaves Kotoko just two points behind league leaders Gold Stars (56 points), with 54 points in second place. Interim coach Karim Zito, who joined from Dreams FC, remains unbeaten in his first three league games at the helm, injecting fresh momentum into the Porcupine Warriors.
The upcoming clash against Gold Stars next weekend at Bibiani could be a defining moment in the title race, with Kotoko aiming to leapfrog their rivals and seize control of the championship chase.
Vision FC 2-0 Young Apostles
Vision FC solidified their mid-table position with a hard-fought victory at Nii Kraku Park in Tema. The game remained cagey until the final stages, when Edmund Asante converted a penalty in the 83rd minute to break the deadlock.
Emmanuel Kyei Baffour sealed the win five minutes later with a composed finish in the 88th minute, ensuring all three points for Nana Kweku Agyemang’s side.
Vision’s unbeaten record against Young Apostles this season—following a 1-1 draw in Wenchi last December—highlights their consistency against the newcomers.
This result strengthens Vision’s hopes of a top-half finish while piling pressure on Young Apostles, who remain in the lower reaches of the table and face a tough battle to avoid relegation.
Karela United 3-1 Medeama SC
Karela United delivered one of the standout results of the weekend, dismantling Tarkwa giants Medeama SC in Tamale. Malik Abubakar stole the show with a first-half strike in the 27th minute and a second in the 64th, displaying his predatory instincts. Alhassan Ali added a third in the 62nd minute, capitalizing on Medeama’s crumbling defense.
Godliness Djzakpasu pulled one back for the visitors in the 68th minute, but it was too little, too late.
This win, Karela’s third in 10 league meetings against Medeama, lifts them a crucial point above the relegation zone. The result is a testament to Karela’s resilience under pressure, particularly at home, as they fight to secure their top-flight status. For Medeama, the defeat dents their hopes of a late surge for a top-four finish, leaving them vulnerable in mid-table.
Berekum Chelsea 0-1 Hearts of Oak
Hearts of Oak continued their impressive away league form, securing a narrow but vital victory at Berekum’s Golden City Park. Mawuli Wayo’s close-range strike in the 53rd minute proved the difference, as the Phobians capitalized on a defensive error to claim all three points.
This result completes a league double over Berekum Chelsea, following their 3-1 win in Accra earlier this season.
Hearts’ unbeaten run in the league now stands at 10 matches (six wins, four draws), a remarkable turnaround that keeps their top-four aspirations alive.
The victory underscores their growing cohesion under coach Aboubakar Ouattara, with Wayo emerging as a key figure in their attack. For Berekum Chelsea, the defeat is a setback in their own push for a top-four spot, leaving them to regroup ahead of a challenging run-in.
FC Samartex 2-1 Bechem United
FC Samartex edged out Bechem United in a tightly contested match, with Baba Musa proving the hero. Musa opened the scoring in the 15th minute, giving Samartex an early lead.
Despite Bechem’s resilience, Musa struck again in the 88th minute to restore the hosts’ advantage after Baba Moro Abdulai had equalized from a penalty for Bechem in the same minute.
The late drama secured three crucial points for Samartex, who continue to hover around the top six, keeping their outside chance of a top-four finish alive. Bechem United, meanwhile, remain in mid-table but will rue their inability to hold firm in the closing stages.
Basake Holy Stars 0-0 Heart of Lions
Title challengers Heart of Lions earned a valuable point on the road against Basake Holy Stars in a pulsating goalless draw. Both sides created chances, but resolute defending and sharp goalkeeping ensured the spoils were shared.
Lions, sitting third with 54 points, remain in the title conversation, just two points behind Gold Stars.
For Basake Holy Stars, the draw keeps them in contention for a respectable finish in their debut season, though they’ll need to convert draws into wins to climb higher.
The result highlights the competitive nature of the league, with even lower-placed teams capable of frustrating the frontrunners.
Upcoming Fixture: Legon Cities FC vs. Nations FC
The final match of the round sees relegation-threatened Legon Cities FC host second-placed Nations FC at the Accra Sports Stadium at 15:00 GMT. Legon Cities, rooted in the drop zone, face a daunting task against a Nations side chasing the title. A positive result is critical for Legon’s survival hopes, while Nations will look to close the gap on Gold Stars and maintain pressure on Kotoko.
League Outlook
With just three matchdays remaining, the Ghana Premier League is poised for a dramatic climax. Gold Stars lead with 56 points, followed closely by Asante Kotoko (54) and Heart of Lions (54).
Nations FC, in second, could shake up the race with a win in their pending match. The Kotoko-Gold Stars showdown looms as a potential title decider, while Lions and Nations remain dangerous outsiders.
At the bottom, Legon Cities and Karela United are scrapping to avoid the drop, with every point vital. In the top-four race, Hearts of Oak’s resurgence has them knocking on the door, while Samartex and Vision FC aim to gatecrash the elite.
The league’s unpredictability ensures that Match Day 32 will bring more twists and turns.
