Fearsome Elmina Sharks halted Ashantigold’s seven match unbeaten run in the Ghana Premier League by beating them 2-1 at the Len Clay Stadium in Obuasi, Ashanti Region.
With resurgence in their performance in their last three matches, Sharks almost suffered a slip in the early stages of the first half after referee Samuel Sukah awarded a penalty to Ashantigold’s Prince Owusu who was brought down by Sharks defender, Ishmael Hammond.
But AshGold striker, Richard Ocran, failed to outwit the quick reflexes of Elmina Sharks goalkeeper, Richard Arthur, to slot in the opener which could have proved vital in their race to survive relegation.
Elmina Sharks could have adored the opportunity of a penalty after striker, Felix Addo, was brought down just at the edge of the penalty box by Eric Opoku but Samuel Sukah refused to grant them the chance of securing the lead away from home.
Luck however, eluded Ashantigold in the 27th minute when defender, William Amuzu, toppled Sharks winger, Ibrahim Suraj, in the penalty box resulting in a spot-kick. Eric Osei stepped up for the Fearsome Sharks to beat veteran goalkeeper, George Owu, to hand them the lead.
Elmina Sharks doubled their lead in the 38th minute amidst pressure from the AshGold players who were in need of an equaliser to appease their fans.
Winger, Benjamin Tweneboah, capitalised on a counter attack by goalkeeper Richard Arthur and Felix Addo who was able to dribble past AshGold defender, Abeiku Ainooson, slot in the second goal.
Coach C. K. Akunnor’s side pressed for a goal before the end of the half but the defence of Elmina Sharks remained resolute to deny them any incursions into their goal area.
Elmina Sharks could have taken the match beyond the reach of AshGold but wasteful chances from Ibrahim Suraj, Felix Addo and Benjamin Tweneboah denied them the opportunity much to the disappointment of their teeming fans who travelled with the team to Obuasi.
The Elephants, however, turned the tide on Sharks with 30 minutes to end proceedings. Gozah’s ambitious effort into the goal area of Sharks was wasted after failing to latch onto a curling pass from substitute, Hans Kwofie.
Midfielder, Theophilus Nyame, also headed wide another chance in the 72nd minute to allow AshGold pull a goal back after a very lustful pass from Emmanuel Osei-Baffoe from the wings.
Forward, Prince Owusu, however, restored hope for AshGold after pulling a goal back. Owusu intelligently penetrated through the defence of Sharks to beat defender, Charles McCarthy, before shooting the ball past goalkeeper, Richard Arthur.
AshGold had a chance to pull parity but Gozah squandered the chance by shooting the ball straight into the hands of Richard Arthur at a close range. The win for Sharks was their second over AshGold since joining the Ghana Premier League. The first leg finished 1-0 in favour of Sharks at the Nduom Stadium in Elmina in the Central Region.
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