Under-pressure Elmina Sharks traveled to stun Inter Allies 3-2 and earned their first victory in four matches of the 2019/20 Ghana Premier League Wednesday.
The ‘Eleven Is To One’ side put up a wasteful showing at the Accra Sports Stadium and were dearly made to pay for it.
Captain Victorien Adebayor could have put his side at least two up in the early exchanges but after doing all the hard work let himself down with poor finishing with his final effort at goal.
Benjamin Tweneboah gave Sharks the lead against the run of play in the 10th minute – the attacker finished off from close range after a scramble in the box.
Inter Allies came close to leveling up twice but youngster Kingsley Braye either failed to keep his shot low or allowed his markers to cover with his sluggishness.
Restart and the hosts scored what should have been the equalizer but that was cruelly chalked off by an offside decision by the referee and his assistant. TV replays showed otherwise.
But Adebayor would still get Allies back with a calm but smart finish from inside the penalty area just on the stroke of halftime.
Came the second half and Allies were left to wonder what hit them as Sharks made the contest look effectively over after the hour-mark with two quick-fire goals.
On 64 minutes, Benjamin Bernard Boateng capitalized on poor defending by Allies and beat goalkeeper Apronti at near post to ensure Sharks regained the lead before Raphael Ocloo delivered a brilliant finish two minutes later. 3-1.
Inter Allies attempted to find their way back into the game once more with a quick response three minutes after conceding the third goal. Adebayor located Samuel Armah with a pinpoint cross and the midfielder finished off with a sweet flying header inside the six-yard box.
Coach Tonny Lokko’s men pushed further for the equalizer with Adebayor in his more creative elements but his mates failed to finish off the chances created.
Elmina Sharks ran away 3-2 winners – a victory which eases the pressure on the team and especially head coach Yaw Acheampong. They had drawn their last two games at home to Karela United and WAFA SC after an opening day defeat away to Bechem United.
Victorien Adebayor was named man-of-the-match.
Sharks return home to host Great Olympics on match-day five while Inter Allies visit WAFA SC. Both games are scheduled for Sunday, January 19.
