The Betway Derby in Tarkwa dominated the headlines ahead of match day 8 of the NC Special competition, but it was Liberty Professionals, another club sponsored by bookmaking giants, Betway, who made the headlines, for the wrong reasons after they were involved a thrilling encounter at home to Karela United. But more on that later.
Betway Derby Drama
Medeama hosted Aduana Stars in a repeat of the clash of fire and color. In the game in Dormaa 4 days prior, there was nothing to separate the two sides, with Bright Adjei’s goal cancelled by Kalibo Deby Toussaint to share the spoils.
But Medeama’s coach Samuel Boadu had vowed to make a statement in this year’s competition, and to do that, he needed to not only win, but convincingly too.
In an extremely competitive game in Tarkwa, it took 88 minutes for a goal to arrive, and yes, the patience was worth it for the home fans as right back Samuel Appiah’s sublime header, connected beautifully from Bright Enchil’s chipping cross gave Medeama the win.
But the game could have easily swung in favor of the visitors, after Medeama were reduced to 10-men following the sending off of defender Ali Ouattara for elbowing Aduana’s Noah Martey.
The win ensured Medeama stayed 2nd in Zone A, one point adrift of leaders Kotoko, with a game in hand.
Aduana remain 3rd, 4 points behind Medeama.
Conceding at Liberty
Liberty Professionals hosted Karela United looking to exact revenge for their defeat just 4 days prior, when the Scientific Soccer Lads lost narrowly in Aiyinase with a 1-0 defeat.
And they started off superbly, racing into a 3-0 lead by the 49th minute with a brace from Benjamin Eshun while captain Simon Zibo added the other.
All seemed perfect. And when Solomon Sarfo Taylor pulled one back for Karela in the 49th minute, it still seemed like it would amount to consolation. But a penalty converted by Diawisie Taylor sent the Carl Reindolf Park into panic before their worst fears were confirmed, deep into injury time when Diawisie Taylor scored again, at the death, to steal a point.
It was a remarkable comeback from the Karela point of view but for Liberty, they would be scratching their heads on how they let this one slip. The draw has left Liberty 5th in Zone B, 4 points adrift of leaders WAFA.