Aduana Stars fought back to share the spoils with regional rivals, Berekum Chelsea, in a 1:1 game at the Golden City Park, Berekum.
Stephen Amankonah scored from the spot in the early stages of the first half, but substitute Pious Asante Yeboah pulled parity with few minutes to end the game. The outcome keeps Chelsea on top of the table with 14points with a point separating them from 2nd placed Aduana Stars.
The Bono derby started on a blistering note with the league leaders dominating the exchanges.
The experienced Aduana Stars backline caved in when Isaac Kwain handled the ball under pressure in the 17th minute. Wa based class one Referee, Alphonso Atiapa didn’t hesitate to point to the penalty spot which was expertly converted by Stephen Amankonah to give the home side a deserving 1:0 lead.
The first department of the game ended with the visitors slightly ahead, especially in the midfield battle with an increased tempo after conceding.
The blues started the second half with a plan that ensured the visitors did not dominate the midfield.
But to the surprise of the home fans who came in their numbers to watch the exploits of the side that beat Hearts of Oak, Asante Kotoko and AshantiGold on the road, substitute, Pious Asante Yeboah notched home with just 4minutes more to end the game, sparking wild jubilation among the travelling fans.
Paul Tandoh, Aduana stars assistant coach attributed the point earned to the tactical change with the introduction of young attacker, Pious Asante Yeboah in the 61st minute.
“We have young strikers from the lower divisions and we are introducing them into our system gradually with the hope of having them baptized and encouraged to perform better by the middle of the season”, he said.
“Tactically my boys did well with the change in formation, playing two strikers. We took control of the midfield after the first half, Joseph Asare Bediako, Berekum Chelsea’s assistant coach said, adding, though we could not win, but we are happy we didn’t lose as we maintained our top spot on the log”.
While Chelsea will be away to Bechem United, Aduana Stars will welcome Medeama to their fortress in Dormaa as part of week 7 of the Ghana Premier League.
Source: GFA
