Medeama claim Ghana Premier League title, Nzingizini Hotspurs triumph in Eswatini
African football is alive every weekend with exciting league action around the continent, and our weekly round-up of league action highlights a selection of the most important results.
GHANA
Medeama secured the Premier League title on Sunday with one round of fixtures to complete when they thumped Heart of Lions 5-2 and closest rivals Bibiani Gold Stars lost. Medeama advanced to 62 points, five ahead of Gold Stars whose hopes of a second successive title ended with a 3-1 loss at Dreams in Kokrobite.
Medeama thrilled their home fans in Tarkwa as Kelvin Obeng and Derrick Fordjour scored two each and Prince Owusu also got on the scoresheet.
It was a first league success for coach Ibrahim Tanko, the former Ghana international who played at Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga.
It was a second title for Medeama who also won the league in 2023 and qualified the next season for the group stage of the Total Energies CAF Champions League.
Despite their defeat, Gold Stars are guaranteed second place as they are six points clear of third-placed Hearts of Oak, who lost 1-0 at Samartex in Samreboi on Sunday.
At the other end of the table, there is still one relegation spot to be decided with six clubs still in potential trouble.
KENYA
Gor Mahia moved closer to retaking the Premier League and extending their record number of titles as they beat Murang’a Seal 3-1 on Sunday. They sit four points clear of second-placed Leopards, who were 2-1 away winners over Homeboyz in Mumias on Saturday.
Gor can make sure of the title on Sunday when they play away at Mara Sugar in Awendo this coming Sunday. Samuel Kapen gave Gor an early lead at the Nyayo National Stadium, but Murang’a Seal were level at halftime.
Shariff Musa and Ghanaian substitute Ebenezer Assifuah scored after the break to ensure Gor’s success and put them on the brink of taking back the title they ceded to Kenya Police last season.
Gor, who have won six league crowns in the last nine seasons, can extend their record number of championships to 22 with success this season.
Bidco United’s 1-0 home loss to Shabana in Wangurui on Sunday ended any hopes they had of avoiding relegation.
ESWATINI
Nzingizini Hotspurs retained their Premier League title on Saturday as a 1-0 derby win over Rangers at Nhlangano put them into an unassailable lead as their closest rivals stumbled. Manzini Sea Birds were held to a goalless draw away at Malanti Chiefs at the same time in Piggs Peak and slipped nine points behind, with two rounds of fixtures to be played.
Hotspurs secured the title with a late strike from second-half substitute Mlungisi Hlatjwako as they advanced to 61 points.
Sea Birds sit on 52 while Young Buffaloes are third on 48. Sunday’s derby at the Somhlolo National Stadium saw Mbabane `Highlanders beat Mbabane Swallows 1-0.
The two rivals used to dominate football in the kingdom but can finish no higher than fourth this campaign.
SENEGAL
Teungueth took over at the top of Ligue 1, leapfrogging over AJEL de Rufisque with a two-point lead and two rounds of the season to complete.
AJEL had been one point ahead before the weekend’s programme but their 2-1 loss at third-placed Goree in Dakar on Sunday handed Teungueth the opportunity to take over the summit as they chase a third championship in the last six seasons.
A 19th-minute penalty converted by Alassane Ly and a second goal 23 minutes from the end from Mouhamed Ben Habib Diouf saw Teungueth win 2-0 at home in Rufisque on Sunday over Stade Mbour.