Sam Adams late goal sends supporters onto the streets of Dormaa

By Robert Tachie Menson, GNA

Dormaa Ahenkro(B/A), Oct. 16, GNA - Aduana's quest to annex the 2017/2018 premiership title became a done deal, when Sam Adams much to the expectation of the team's anxious supporters in Dormaa, converted a penalty to beat Elmina Sharks 2-1 at the Nana Agyemang Badu I, Sports Stadium in Dormaa-Ahenkro.

The goal which came in the 84th minute sent the entire supporters of Aduana at the Stadium, which was fully packed to capacity and the whole township into ecstasy.

Trucks packed with huge speakers and sound systems blasted out loud music throughout the game in and outside the stadium.

Jubilation was, however, heightened after the end of the match, when it finally emerged Aduana had won the premier league well in advance.   

Both private and commercial vehicles tooted their horns, there was a cacophony of yells from fans in the streets and drinking spots where jubilants danced to some hiplife music in their joyous mood.

Others capitalised on the high patronage of the game to do business in and around the Stadium, selling Aduana replica jerseys, arm bands, miniature vuvuzelas, caps while others sold local liquors.

It was a hard fought victory for the home team though playing in a Week 29 fixture, in what appeared to be a major decider between Aduana and its closest rival WAFA, who are placed second on the league table.

Aduana were considered match favourites and were highly tipped to win the day moreso, with the encounter staying as one of their usual home matches, they were highly tipped to maintain their unbeaten home records without a doubt.

But Elmina Sharks nearly ended Aduana's premiership title dream when they got the first goal of the match through Tweneboah Benjamin right in the 43rd minute.

Coming from a goal down, Aduana fought tirelessly for the rest of the first half with attacks mainly orchestrated by lead striker Derrick Sasraku and Bright Adjei to get an equaliser.

And in the 53rd minute, Aduana's Abdul Rashid delivered a header for an equaliser, beating beating goalkeeper Joseph Essam in post.

The team’s winning goal came after winger Zakaria Mumuni of Aduana Stars had been shoved off in the penalty box by his marker Hammond Ishmael in the 83rd minute after receiving a pass from striker Derrick Sasraku for Adams to put ball beyond the reach of Elmina Shark's goalie Essam.

It was however not very clear whether the ball crossed the goal line.

But at that same moment, Assistant Referee One David Laryea was seen on the touchline running back to the centre with flag pointing simultaneously same direction, an indication he had decided to accept the controversial goal in favour of Aduana.

While Referee Daniel Uriah rushed to his Assistant Referee One, David Laryea to confer with him, the players and technical officers of Elmina Sharks were spotted also rushing towards the two officials to protest the decision.

Some of the supporters hurled sachet water onto the pitch to intimidate and drive away the players and officials of Elmina Sharks away from the match officials.

The game was temporarily halted for five minutes in the 83rd minute until calm was restored following the intervention of a team of police officers at post.   

Not even the addition of 10 minutes extra time could produce any magic for the visiting team in terms of getting a consolation.

GNA

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