Asante Kotoko beat Chelsea to regain top spot.
Asante Kotoko secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Berekum Chelsea at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, propelling them to the summit of the Ghana Premier League standings. A late strike from defender Daniel Adjetey proved to be the difference in a tightly contested match, as the Porcupine Warriors showcased their resilience to claim three crucial points.
The game began with both sides displaying cautious intent, with Kotoko looking to maintain their strong home form and Berekum Chelsea aiming to upset the league leaders. The first half was a tense affair, with neither team able to break the deadlock despite flashes of attacking promise. Kotoko’s forwards struggled to find clear-cut chances, while Chelsea’s defense held firm, frustrating the home crowd.
Berekum Chelsea, sitting mid-table, showed moments of danger in the opening stages, particularly through their counter-attacks, but failed to capitalize on their opportunities. Kotoko goalkeeper Frederick Asare remained untested for much of the half, as both teams went into the break level at 0-0.
The second half saw Kotoko increase their intensity, spurred on by the vocal support at Baba Yara. Coach Prosper Narteh Ogum’s side began to dominate possession, probing for an opening against a stubborn Chelsea backline. Despite their pressure, the breakthrough seemed elusive until the 79th minute, when Daniel Adjetey stepped up to deliver a moment of magic.
From well outside the penalty area, the defender unleashed a powerful long-range shot that rocketed past the Chelsea goalkeeper, sending the stadium into raptures. The goal, a testament to Kotoko’s persistence and their work on distant shots in training, shifted the momentum decisively in their favour.
Berekum Chelsea pushed forward in search of an equalizer, but Kotoko’s defence, marshalled superbly by Adjetey and his teammates, stood firm. The visitors’ hopes faded as the clock ticked down, and the Porcupine Warriors held on to secure a vital win. The final whistle confirmed Kotoko’s sixth consecutive unbeaten league match and their second straight victory.
With this result, Asante Kotoko climbed to the top of the Ghana Premier League table, amassing 45 points after match day 24. They now lead second-placed Bibiani Gold Stars by a single point, intensifying the race for the title. Berekum Chelsea, meanwhile, remains in tenth place with 32 points, their defensive inconsistencies on the road costing them once again.
Coach Prosper Narteh Ogum praised his team’s determination post-match, emphasising the importance of the win in their title chase. “We knew this was a must-win game to stay in contention. The players showed the right energy, and Daniel’s goal was a reward for our hard work,” he said.
For Kotoko, the victory sets up an exciting run-in as they aim to maintain their position at the top. Their next challenge will test their mettle further, while Berekum Chelsea will look to regroup ahead of their upcoming fixtures. On this day, however, the Porcupine Warriors reigned supreme, their sights firmly set on Ghana Premier League glory.