Drama in GPL: Nations FC Abandon Crucial Clash Against Basake Holy Stars
- Nations FC reportedly abandoned Matchweek 33 game against Basake Holy Stars while trailing 1-0, sparking controversy and potential sanctions
- Gold Stars and Kotoko win their respective matches, intensifying the title race heading into the final week of the season
- GFA is expected to investigate Nations FC's actions, with possible point deductions or forfeiture looming
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The Ghana Premier League title race took an unexpected and controversial turn on Sunday, June 1, 2025, after league leaders Nations FC abandoned their Matchweek 33 encounter against Basake Holy Stars at the Ampain AAK II Sports Arena.
The match was abruptly halted with about 10 minutes remaining, and the hosts Holy Stars leading 1-0.
Source: Twitter
The incident throws the season’s climax into chaos, as Nations FC, who sat atop the table with 60 points after 32 games, now face the prospect of disciplinary sanctions that could impact their championship ambitions.
Many fans have condemned the incident, recalling the Nsoatre chaos that led to the untimely death of Nana Pooley, as featured by the BBC.
Controversial ending in Ampain
The fixture had been billed as a stern test for Nations FC, with Holy Stars battling relegation and highly motivated in front of their home fans.
The breakthrough came in the 32nd minute when the home side buried a penalty with Kofi Mensah beaten.
In the 73rd minute, with Holy Stars still holding their 1-0 advantage, the Nations FC technical bench and players began protesting a series of refereeing decisions including a second penalty call in favour of Basake Holy Stars.
Tensions escalated, and after extended deliberation and heated exchanges with match officials, Nations FC walked off the pitch.
Despite attempts by officials and security to restore order, Nations FC refused to return to the field, prompting the referee to officially abandon the match.
The Abrankese-based team released an official statement to narrate their account of the incident.
Source: Twitter
GPL title race heats up
While the drama unfolded in Ampain, Nations FC’s closest challengers seized their opportunity to close the gap.
Second-placed Bibiani Gold Stars secured a thrilling 3-2 victory away at Berekum Chelsea, clawing back from a goal down with two late strikes in a dramatic finale according to a Ghana FA report.
At the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, Asante Kotoko also kept their slim title hopes alive with a narrow 3-2 win over Medeama SC.
Kotoko’s victory came courtesy of a 78th-minute strike by Albert Amoah who netted a hat-trick for the first time in his GPL career.
Implications and possible sanctions against Nations FC
The Ghana Football Association is expected to launch a swift investigation into the events at Ampain.
According to GPL regulations, teams that refuse to continue matches without just cause face sanctions including forfeiture, points deduction, and possible fines.
If the match is awarded to Holy Stars as a 3-0 forfeit, Nations FC could lose crucial points at a pivotal moment in the season.
Benjamin Asare's Ghana clean sheet run ended
YEN.com.gh earlier reported on the Unity Cup match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Black Stars of Ghana in London.
The crunch encounter saw the former clinch a 2-1 win as Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare conceded for the first time as Black Stars No.1 custodian.
Ghana was without a number of major players such as Thomas Partey, who is reportedly in talks with FC Barcelona for a sensational free transfer.
Source: YEN.com.gh
