GPL Matchday 31: Medeama Pulls Away at the Top as Hearts Win and Asante Kotoko Slump

Matchday 31 of the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League (GPL) saw Medeama SC take a significant step toward the title, while traditional powerhouses and title chasers experienced mixed fortunes. Medeama extended their lead at the summit to five points following a clinical 2-0 victory over Bibiani Gold Stars. Midfielder Salim Adams was the hero of the day, converting a 20th-minute penalty before doubling the lead just before halftime. With only four matches remaining, the Mauve and Yellow are firmly in control of their destiny. Conversely, Aduana FC’s title ambitions suffered a major blow after a goalless draw against Heart of Lions in Dormaa, leaving them 10 points adrift of the leaders in fifth place.

In the capital, the league’s most storied clubs saw contrasting results. Accra Hearts of Oak secured a vital 1-0 away victory against Nations FC at the Dr Kwame Kyei Sports Complex, ending the hosts' 16-match unbeaten home run. Mawuli Wayo’s early strike in the 11th minute, assisted by Hussein Mohammed, propelled the Phobians to third place with 49 points. Meanwhile, Asante Kotoko’s season continued to unravel as they suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Dreams FC at the Tuba Astroturf. Goals from Oumar Nafal and Ebenezer Adade condemned the Porcupine Warriors to another winless outing, dropping them to eighth place, level on 43 points with a resurgent Dreams FC side.

The battle for survival and mid-table positioning also intensified across other venues. Swedru All Blacks staged a dramatic late comeback to defeat Vision FC 2-1. Despite Faruk Mohammed opening the scoring for Vision, Rudolf Mensah equalized before Zayat Bubakari converted an 89th-minute penalty to secure the win. The result leaves both sides level on 38 points. For Nations FC, the loss to Hearts of Oak leaves them in a precarious 13th position, just three points above the relegation zone. Heart of Lions, following their disciplined defensive display against Aduana, sit in 11th place with 39 points.

Off the pitch, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Disciplinary Committee handed down a severe sanction to Hohoe United FC. Following the club’s unilateral withdrawal from the league on April 1, 2026, the GFA has suspended the team from all competitions until the 2029/2030 season. Hohoe United has also been demoted to Division Two and ordered to refund all GFA support received during the season. Crucially, the committee has granted all registered players from the club Free Agent status, allowing them to seek new opportunities immediately. The club has been given three days to appeal the ruling.

As the season enters its final stretch, the focus remains on Medeama’s march toward a historic title and the frantic scramble to avoid the drop. While Hearts of Oak look to solidify their top-three finish, Asante Kotoko will need a significant turnaround to salvage a respectable placement. The upcoming midweek fixtures, including Aduana’s must-win clash against Basake Holy Stars and Heart of Lions hosting Nations FC, will likely provide more clarity on both ends of the table in what is proving to be a highly competitive 2025/26 campaign.