GPL wrap: Samartex stun Medeama as Kotoko return to winning ways Ghana Premier League: Late drama and crucial wins headline matchday seven

Matchday seven of the Ghana Premier League delivered late drama, crucial victories and a shake-up in the relegation battle, with Medeama SC suffering their first defeat of the campaign while Hearts of Oak and FC Samartex 1996 strengthened their positions at the top of the table.

The weekend's action began on Saturday with Hearts of Oak edging Vision FC 1-0 in Tema New Town and Berekum Chelsea recording a 2-0 away victory over Heart of Lions in Kpando.

Sunday's fixtures saw Samartex hand Medeama their first loss of the season, while Asante Kotoko and Aduana FC returned to winning ways. Dreams FC salvaged a late draw against Port City, and Debibi United climbed out of the relegation zone with an important home win.

Hearts of Oak secured back-to-back league victories after defeating Vision FC at the Nii Adjei Kraku Complex in Tema New Town.

The Phobians needed a late goal to settle the contest, with Kwesi Asmah finding the net in the 86th minute to secure all three points.

Asmah reacted quickly to a loose clearance inside the penalty area before finishing with his left foot, extending Hearts' winning run following their narrow victory over Port City.

The result offered further encouragement for the Accra-based side as they seek greater consistency in the Premier League.

In Kpando, Berekum Chelsea claimed their first away win of the season after beating Heart of Lions 2-0 at the Kpando Stadium.

Dramani Awuah opened the scoring in the 39th minute before Paul Attah Agyei doubled Chelsea's advantage in the 69th minute.

The visitors proved clinical in front of goal despite Heart of Lions enjoying greater possession, leaving the hosts to suffer consecutive league defeats.

Chelsea moved up to seventh place following the victory and will aim to maintain their momentum when they face Samartex in their next fixture.

Sunday's action produced the weekend's biggest result as Samartex ended Medeama's unbeaten start with a dramatic 2-1 victory at the Nsenkyire Arena.

Joshuah Fuseini put Samartex ahead in the 54th minute, but Dominic Amponsah restored parity for the defending champions in the 79th minute.

The contest appeared to be heading for a draw until Christian Agyenim struck three minutes into stoppage time to give the hosts a crucial victory.

Despite the setback, Medeama remain top of the league standings on 14 points, level with Hearts of Oak and Samartex after seven matches.

Asante Kotoko also returned to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over Young Apostles at the Baba Yara Stadium.

Hubert Gyau broke the deadlock in the 70th minute before Solomon Nsor Asaah extended Kotoko's lead 12 minutes later.

Young Apostles reduced the deficit through Huziaf Iddrisu, who scored directly from a late free-kick, but Kotoko held on to secure the points and climb to sixth place. Young Apostles remain in the relegation zone.

Aduana FC recovered from their previous defeat with a narrow 1-0 win over FC AshantiGold 04 at the Nana Agyeman Badu I Park.

Abubakar Adams scored the decisive goal in the 40th minute, reacting quickest to a rebound from Seidu Saana's free-kick.

AshantiGold's hopes of finding an equaliser were further weakened when Akwasi Afari was sent off, allowing Aduana to protect their lead and claim all three points.

At the Daasebre Boamah Darko II Park, Dreams FC earned a dramatic 1-1 draw against Port City after scoring in stoppage time.

Samuel Aryee Baadu gave the hosts the lead shortly after half-time with a powerful strike, but Kelvin Ahiable's late equaliser denied Port City victory.

Dreams remain bottom of the table but will take encouragement from the point as they attempt to improve their position.

Swedru All Blacks continued their impressive home form with a 2-0 victory over Karela United.

Eric Wiafe Darkwah converted a penalty in the ninth minute before setting up Faisal Charwetey for the second goal in the 59th minute.

The result secured consecutive league wins for the Black Magicians, while Karela remain without an away point this season.

Basake Holy Stars also returned to winning ways, defeating Bechem United 1-0 at the AAK II Park.

Bismark Teye Tetteh scored early in the second half to secure the victory and move Holy Stars up to fifth place. The defeat extended Bechem United's winless run against Holy Stars in the Premier League to five matches.

Debibi United completed the weekend's action with a vital 1-0 win over Bibiani Gold Stars at the Debibi Presby Park.

Maxwell Agyemang scored just before half-time to end Debibi's three-match winless run and lift the league newcomers out of the relegation zone.

The victory moved Debibi level with Gold Stars on seven points, while the visitors missed the opportunity to build on their previous weekend's win.

After seven rounds of matches, Medeama, Hearts of Oak and Samartex remain locked together at the top with 14 points each.

While Samartex's late winner ended Medeama's unbeaten run, Hearts' continued improvement and the return to form of Kotoko and Aduana have added further intrigue to the title race.

At the other end of the table, Debibi's victory offers renewed hope in the fight for survival, while Dreams and Young Apostles face the challenge of improving their results as the league campaign continues.