GPL Roundup: Hearts thump Dreams to jump to 3rd, Annor nets 4 goals as AshGold thrash Chelsea

Hearts of Oak moved up to the third spot on the Ghana Premier League table after securing a 3-1 home triumph over Dreams FC in a match-day 27 fixture in Accra on Sunday.

Phobian attacker Daniel Afriyie Banieh scored the opener from the rebound in the 4th minute after midfielder Gladson Awako’s shot was blocked.

Midfielder Suraj Seidu doubled the lead for Hearts with his debut goal in the 11th minute when he intercepted a Dreams FC pass and dribbled two opponents to score. Dreams FC’s Agyenim Boateng struck from the penalty spot on the 45th minute mark to provide a consolation prior to half-time.

Back from recess, Dreams FC defender Jalilu scored an own goal after heading in a cross from Hearts forward Benjamin Yorke.

The crucial home victory means Hearts of Oak now have 43 points, 12 behind GPL leader Asante Kotoko, with 7 games to end the season.

Elsewhere in Kumasi, Bechem United could only cut the lead of leaders Asante Kotoko to 9 points after playing out a 2-2 draw at demotion threatened King Faisal.

Samuel Kusi opened the scoring for King Faisal in the 25th minute after finishing home a pass from Enoch Morrison but Goal-King contender Augustine Okrah equalized in the 39th minute to end the first half 1-1.

Back from recess, Emmanuel Owusu gave Bechem United the lead in the 50th minute but just 5 minutes later striker Enoch Morrison provided the equalizer for Faisal.

At the Len Clay in Obuasi, it was a goal fest as hosts AshantiGold gave Berekum Chelsea an unforgettable 5-1 walloping, with 4 goals from striker Yaw Annor.

GPL Goal-King contender Annor gave the Miners the lead in the 11th minute but the visitors equalized in the 23rd minute through Osei Owusu. Moments before half-time, midfielder Eric Esso connected a back pass from Stephen Nyarko to make it 2-1 for the Osono Aboakese lads.

In the second half, AshGold attacker Yaw Annor found the back of the net in the 74th, 85th and 87th minutes to seal a big win for Coach Thomas Duah’s side.

Annor’s 4 goals take his tally to 16, which improves his chances of toppling 18 goals rich Asante Kotoko striker Franck Mbella Etouga on the Top Scorer’s chart, with 7 games to close the season.

Karela United climbed up one spot to the 7th position following a 2-0 home win against Bibiani Gold Stars courtesy goals by midfielder Umar Bashiru and forward Samuel Atta Kumi.

In Tamale, RTU clinched a vital 2-0 home victory over Accra Lions with a brace from defender Rashid Alhassan, and moved one spot up to the 14th position.

Legon Cities remained in the 9th spot despite their 2-0 home win over bottom place Elmina Sharks. Cities benefited from a penalty converted by Michel Otou and another goal from experienced Hans Kwofie.