Port City FC climbed to third in the Ghana Premier League after a 1-0 home victory against Basake Holy Stars at Daasebre Boamah Darko II Park on Sunday.
Francis Gyetuah scored the only goal midway through the second half as Christopher Ennin’s side returned to winning ways and continued their strong start to their first season in the top flight.
The result takes Port City to 18 points, leaving them three points behind league leaders Medeama SC.
The two sides were closely matched for the opening hour, but Port City finally broke the deadlock in the 65th minute through a composed finish from Gyetuah.
The forward took advantage of a misplaced pass just outside the penalty area, using a clever dummy to evade his marker before calmly placing the ball beyond the goalkeeper.
Port City came close to adding a second shortly afterwards when Ransford Nartey found space inside the box. His effort from close range, however, was brilliantly blocked as Basake Holy Stars remained within reach of an equaliser.
The visitors responded by applying greater pressure and created a good opportunity in the 75th minute. Port City goalkeeper Daniel Amissah kept out the threat by punching away a dangerous free-kick to protect his side’s narrow lead.
Basake Holy Stars controlled much of the possession during the closing stages, but struggled to find a way through a well-organised Port City defence.
The hosts’ disciplined performance secured all three points, extended their impressive home record and strengthened their challenge for a top-four finish in their maiden Ghana Premier League campaign.
For Basake Holy Stars, the defeat was their third successive league loss. The Anyinase-based club were left frustrated by another afternoon in which they failed to convert their pressure into a goal.
Holy Stars will next look to halt their losing run when they host Vision FC in their next league fixture.
Port City, meanwhile, travel to fellow newcomers Debibi United as they attempt to maintain their momentum near the top of the table.
