FC Samartex 1996 scored deep into injury time to beat Medeama SC 2-1 and hand the defending champions their first defeat of the Ghana Premier League season at the Nsenkyire Arena on Sunday.
Christian Agyenim struck three minutes into added time to seal a dramatic victory for Samartex, leaving the home supporters celebrating a memorable result against the league leaders.
The match appeared to be heading for a draw after Dominic Amponsah equalised for Medeama in the 79th minute, cancelling out Joshuah Fuseini’s second-half opener.
But Samartex had the final say, with Agyenim finding the net late on to secure all three points and end Medeama’s unbeaten start to the campaign.
The hosts had taken the lead nine minutes after the interval when Fuseini broke the deadlock in the 54th minute, rewarding Samartex for their efforts after a goalless first half.
Medeama responded well and looked to have rescued a point when Amponsah levelled the score with 11 minutes of normal time remaining.
However, Samartex refused to settle for a draw. Agyenim’s stoppage-time strike proved decisive, completing a dramatic turnaround in the closing stages and giving the home side a significant boost in the title race.
Medeama’s first loss of the season, however, has tightened the race at the summit, with both Hearts of Oak and Samartex also on 14 points after seven games.
For Samartex, the victory represents more than just three points. Beating the defending champions in such dramatic fashion strengthens their early title credentials and keeps them firmly among the leading contenders.
With the leading sides level on points, the result at the Nsenkyire Arena has added fresh intrigue to an increasingly competitive title race.
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