In a decisive match for Asante Kotoko, they secured a commanding 3-1 victory over the relegated Akyem Kotoku Royals in the final fixture of match week 31 in the 2022/23 Ghana Premier League (GPL).
This crucial win ends Asante Kotoko's winless streak of four league games, which included two draws and a defeat. The impressive triumph propels them to the fourth position in the league standings, accumulating a total of 47 points. They currently trail the league leaders, Medeama SC, by six points, with Medeama SC sitting comfortably at the top with 53 points.
Asante Kotoko wasted no time in asserting their dominance, as their Cameroonian striker, Georges Rodrigue Mfegue, opened the scoring in the 10th minute, giving the team an early advantage. Mfegue continued his fine form and extended the lead in the 28th minute, putting the Porcupine Warriors in a commanding position.
Despite their relegation, Kotoku Royals displayed resilience and provided their supporters with something to celebrate, reducing the deficit with Richard Dzikoe's goal in the 35th minute.
However, Asante Kotoko swiftly regained their two-goal advantage when Rocky Dwamena, a promising young player, found the back of the net in the 51st minute, securing a comprehensive victory for Coach Abdul Gazale's side.
Looking ahead, Asante Kotoko's next challenge awaits them in a match against Karela United on Sunday. Meanwhile, Kotoku Royals will also be competing against GoldStars on the same day, as they aim to end their season on a positive note despite their relegation.
In other notable results from the league, Medeama SC convincingly defeated Hearts of Oak 5-1 at the Accra Sports Stadium, propelling themselves to the top of the league table. Karela United and Great Olympics played out a thrilling scoreless draw, while Dreams FC secured a 2-0 home win against Berekum Chelsea with goals from Ali Huzaif and Sylvester Simba.
Furthermore, Samartex recorded a 2-0 victory over King Faisal with late goals from Evans Osei Wusu and Emmanuel Keyekeh. Bibiani GoldStars emerged victorious with a 2-0 win against Tamale City, thanks to a brace from Abednego Tetteh, bringing his season's goal tally to 14.
Accra Lions ended their three-game losing streak with a resounding 3-0 victory over Aduana FC, courtesy of goals from Salifu Apiiga, Evans Botchway, and Seidu Bassit. Bechem United kept their title hopes alive with a 1-0 win against Legon Cities, with Emmanuel Avornyo scoring the only goal of the game in the first half.
Lastly, Nsoatreman secured a 1-0 home victory against Real Tamale United (RTU) with a second-half goal from Emmanuel Kotei.
ALL GAMEWEEK 31 RESULTS
STANDINGS AFTER GAMEWEEK 31
TOP SCORERS
Hafiz Konkoni - Bechem United -14
Sampson Eduku - Tamale City - 14
Abednego Tetteh - King Faisal/Bibiani Gold Stars - 14
Afriyie Mezack - Berekum CHELSEA - 12
Issah Kuka - RTU - 11
Steven Mukwala - Asante Kotoko - 11
Vincent Addae Atinga - Medeama SC - 11
Abass Samari Salifu - Accra Lions - 9
Andy Kumi - Kotoku Royals - 9
Richard Dzikoe - Kotoku Royals - 8
Ali Huzaf - Dreams FC - 7
Seidu Bassit - Accra Lions - 7
Isaac Mensah - Tamale City - 7
Agyenim Boateng - Dreams FC - 7
Kwesi Donsu - Medeama SC - 6
Samuel Ofori - Nsoatreman FC - 6
Isaac Mintah - Aduana Stars - 6
