Wa All Stars' charge towards an historic Ghana Premier League title was boosted with an emphatic home win and triple setback by their title rivals at the end of week 27.
The Premier League leaders thrashed Dreams FC 3:1 in Wa to open up a three-point lead after second-placed Aduana, as well as both Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko dropped valuable points.
Aduana were held to a 1:1 draw by WAFA in Sogakope while Bechem United crushed the Phobians 3:1 in Bechem. Asante Kotoko were held at home by Chelsea.
In Wa where All Stars consolidated their grip on the top, Emmanuel Ocran was in blistering form as his hat-trick secured all the points for the leaders.
Ocran hit a sensational brace inside the opening 12 minutes to set All Stars up for an easy win. Ben Nash Quansah however, gave the visitors hope when he scored in the 33rd minute to reduce the deficit.
But Ocran completed his hat trick by converting 75th minute penalty to seal the vital win for All Stars.
In Sogokope, Aduana Stars needed to win to keep up the chase on the league leaders and Bright Adjei ave that quest a boost with a 39th minute opener. WAFA however hit back when Komlan Agbegniadan equalised in the 65th minute to place dent Aduana's title charge. They are now 3 points behind All Stars with three matches to go.
In Bechem, Accra Hearts Oak's suffered a major setback after a humiliating 3:1 defeat against Bechem United. Abednego Tetteh was the hero of the day as his remarkable hat-trick sunk the Phobians.
His first came in the 18th minute before hitting two more in the 50th and 82nd minute to give the home side a stunning 3:0 lead. Owusu Bempah scored in injury time; a goal which wouldn't even pass as consolation for the Phobians considering the manner and effect of the defeat to their title chase. The Phobians are now six points behind All Stars.
Asante Kotoko also dented their title push with a frustrating goalless draw against Berekum Chelsea at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi. The result has left the Porcupine Warriors trailing the leaders by six points.
In Cape Coast, Medeama SC stunned Ebusua Dwarfs 2:0 with Atta Agyei scoring a brace for the visitors. He opened the scoring for Medeama in the 68th minute after Daniel Adjei had saved Christopher Bonney's first half penalty. Atta Adjei sealed the win by adding the second in injury time.
In the relegation battle, Inter Allies thrashed New Edubiase 4:0 to give their audacious bid to avoid the drop a huge boost. Emmanuel Nettey put Inter Allies Ahmed in the 33rd minute and Ropapa Mensah doubled the lead early in the second half. Prince Baffoe got a second half brace to complete the rout, which has left New Edubiase's Premiership status hanging by a threat.
In another relegation fight, Techiman City and Liberty Professionals split points after a 1:1 draw in Techiman. Fatau Abdul Rahman put the home side ahead in 35th minute but Issah Mohammed rescued a point for Liberty Professionals in the 73rd minute.
The result leaves both Techiman City and Liberty Professionals hovering dangerously around the relegation zone.
In Obuasi, Ashantigold sunk Hasaacas after beating them 1:0. Emmanuel OSEI Baffuor scored early in the 6th minute hand the miners the valuable points.
Hasaacas have now moved further down to 15th from 14th.