Resuming from a week’s break, match day 9 failed to continue with the spark from previous weeks with limited goals recorded.
With Aduana and Wa All Stars match yet to play, week 9 recorded the least number of goals in a round so far with 9 goals in 7 matches. Aduana Stars’ encounter with Wa All Stars has been postponed due to the latter’s involvement in WAFU tournament.
On Saturday, Elmina Sharks welcomed Dansoman-based Liberty Professional to the Nduom Sports Complex. The Sharks were seeking to make it two consecutive home wins after beating Ashanti Gold at home in week 8. It didn’t take long for the home side to put their noses in front as Benjamin Tweneboah opened the scoring on the 5th minute. But the visitors restored parity through a beautifully curled goal from captain Ernest Papa Arko 23 minutes into the second half to ensure the spoils were shared.
In Accra, player-coach Godwin Attram can now breathe a sigh of relief after Great Olympics recorded their first win of the campaign against impressive Ebusua Dwarfs at the Accra Stadium. An early goal from Osah Bernardinho Tetteh on the 3rd minute separated both teams on the day to ease pressure on Godwin Attram.
In Obuasi, the post-Bashiru Hayford era did not resurrect any magical performance from Ashanti Gold in their game against Bolga All Stars at the Len Clay Stadium. Hayford tendered in his resignation after series of supporters and management backlash and string poor results since last year.
Hans Kwoffie missed a penalty on the 3rd minute but Shafiu Mumuni drew first blood on the 67th minute. However, Hafiz Wontah cancelled their lead 12 minutes after as the game ended 1-1 all.
At the Golden City Park in Berekum, Chelsea lived the talk and the hype prior to their clash against Hearts of Oak. The Phobians haven’t been convincing and impressive this season and seem to have jumped back onto the train of undulating performances. Stephen Sarfo made sure all the maximum points are kept intact and safe in Berekum with his 22nd minute strike which proved to be the winner in the match.
After losing to Inter Allies on match day 8, Tema Youth returned to their favourite astro turf in Tema to host Tarkwa-based Medeama SC. Michael Kporvi scored first for Tema Youth in the first half to place them in a winning position. However, Medeama had other ideas as they returned in the second half strongly to snatch an equalizer through Benjamin Bature on the 68th minute to pick a point for the Yellow and Mauves.
At the Baba Yara Stadium, it was a disappointing afternoon for the Porcupine Warriors after promising an attacking and beautiful football from their previous reserved and stifled style of play. Inter Allies were not pushovers for Asante Kotoko and did not disgrace themselves as they proved a hard nut to crack against the home side.
It was a tale of two halves for either side. Kotoko came in strongly in the second half, dominated, created few chances but failed to bury them. In the end, the attacking football was beautifully swept aside by Allies.
Nana Foksu Gyeabour Park was dead silent after WAFA pulled all the stops on Bechem United at their own backyard in Bechem. The ‘Academy Boys’ provided yet another beautiful play against the Hunters to narrowly beat the current FA Cup holders. Daniel Lomotey scored an all-important goal seven minutes to half time in the first half. Tried as they could, Bechem failed to find the back of the net as they lost by a goal to nil.
MACH DAY 9 RESULTS
Elmina Sharks 1-1 Liberty Professionals
Great Olympics 1-0 Ebusua Dwarfs
Tema Youth 1-1 Medeama SC
Asante Kotoko 0-0 Inter Allies
Berekum Chelsea 1-0 Hearts of Oak
Bechem United 0-1 WAFA
Ashanti Gold 1-1 Bolga Allstars
Aduana Stars pp Wa All Stars
