Samartex hand Medeama first defeat of the season in thrilling 2-1 victory

FC Samartex came from behind to beat Medeama SC 2-1 at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena, handing the Ghana Premier League leaders their first defeat of the season in a dramatic Matchday 8 encounter.

Christian Agyenim Boateng scored the decisive goal in the 92nd minute to complete a late turnaround for the Timber Giants, who moved into second place in the standings with 15 points, level with Medeama.

The defending champions had looked set to extend their unbeaten start to the campaign after Joshua Fusieni put them ahead in the 56th minute. However, Samartex fought back in the closing stages, with Dominic Amponsah equalising in the 78th minute before Boateng struck deep into stoppage time to secure all three points.

The result ends Medeama’s unbeaten run and intensifies the contest at the top of the league table, with both sides now sitting on 15 points.

Medeama travelled to the Nsenkyire Sports Arena aiming to preserve their strong start to the season and maintain their position at the summit. But Samartex proved determined to take advantage of home support, producing a spirited performance to claim victory in the regional derby.

The opening goal arrived 11 minutes into the second half when Fusieni found the net for Medeama, giving the visitors the advantage and putting them in a strong position to continue their unbeaten campaign.

Samartex responded with greater urgency as they searched for a way back into the match. Their efforts paid off in the 78th minute when Amponsah scored to level the contest and set up a tense finish.

With the sides seemingly heading towards a draw, the match took another decisive turn in added time. Boateng found the breakthrough in the 92nd minute, completing Samartex’s comeback and sparking celebrations for the home side.

The late winner secured a significant victory for the Timber Giants, who had to recover from falling behind against the league leaders before finding a way to claim the maximum points.

For Medeama, the defeat marks their first setback of the season after an impressive opening run. The champions had entered the fixture hoping to continue their momentum, but their lead was overturned in the final stages as Samartex capitalised on their opportunities.

Despite losing, Medeama remain at the top of the Ghana Premier League standings on 15 points. Their position, however, is now under increased pressure from Samartex, who have moved into second place with an identical points tally.

The outcome sets up an intriguing battle for the league’s top position as the season progresses. With the two teams level on points, Samartex’s victory provides a major boost to their title ambitions, while Medeama will look to respond after suffering their first defeat of the campaign.

The Timber Giants will take confidence from the manner of their win, having shown resilience to recover from a second-half deficit and secure victory with virtually the final kick of the match.

Medeama, meanwhile, must regroup after letting their advantage slip away in the closing stages. The result has added fresh competition to the top of the table, with both clubs now firmly involved in the early-season race for the Premier League lead.