GPLWK 34: Accra Great Olympics relegated, Hearts escape red zone on final day

Accra Great Olympics have been relegated from Ghana’s top-flight league despite being awarded 3 goals and 3 points after Real Tamale United (RTU) failed to appear for the final match at the Accra Sports Stadium.

RTU, already relegated, did not show up for the game, and their official stance remains unclear.

Great Olympics, who were also battling relegation, received three points due to RTU’s forfeiture.

However, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) will only confirm these points after an investigation into the incident that occurred in Dawu against Dreams FC.

This latest incident adds to RTU’s growing legal issues.

The club has already been charged by the GFA Disciplinary Committee for fielding unregistered players in a midweek game against Dreams FC.

RTU admitted to the offence after their regular players refused to play due to six months of unpaid salaries, leading management to field Division Two players who were not registered.

Meanwhile, at the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park, Hearts of Oak narrowly avoided relegation with a dramatic 3-2 victory against Bechem United on the final day of the Ghana Premier League season.

The Phobians needed a win to avoid dropping out of the top flight.

The tension was high as Bechem United took the lead in the 29th minute through Emmanuel Owusu.

Hearts of Oak quickly responded, equalizing three minutes later with Kofi Agbesimah’s close-range header.

Bechem United regained the lead in the 59th minute with a goal from Bismark Edjeodji, putting Hearts of Oak on the edge of relegation again.

Despite this, the Phobians mounted a dramatic comeback.

In just three minutes, Kelvin Asibey and Yaw Baafi scored crucial goals, securing a 3-2 victory for Hearts of Oak.

This marked the second consecutive season the club avoided relegation on the final day.

At the El-Wak Sports Stadium, Legon Cities concluded their premier campaign with a 1-1 draw against Bibiani Gold Stars.

Goals in either half ensured both teams shared the points, securing their spots in the top flight for next season.

Fredrick Akakut opened the scoring for the hosts in the 13th minute, giving Fabin’s side a narrow lead at halftime.

Oleva Mohammed equalized for the Miners in the 78th minute, earning a point for his team.

Gold Stars ended the season in 11th position with 47 points, while Cities finished two points behind them in 15th position.

In Samreboi, FC Samartex celebrated their Ghana Premier League championship with a 2-0 victory over Accra Lions at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena.

Goals from Emmanuel Mamah and Ebenezer Ocran ensured the Timbers celebrated their coronation with a final-day win.

The newly crowned champions quickly established their intentions, breaking the deadlock just three minutes into the match when Mamah scored from a deflected shot.

The visitors, awakened by the early goal, dominated possession in the first half but failed to equalize.

After the break, both sides made several substitutions.

Late in the game, a pass from the Accra Lions goalkeeper was intercepted by Ocran, who turned his marker before firing past the keeper.