Asante Kotoko and Medeama SC drew 1-1 in Kumasi as FC Samartex 1996 moved level with the Premier League leaders and Hearts of Oak suffered a surprise defeat by debutants Debibi United on Matchday Nine.

Medeama took the lead at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium when Usman Safianu scored in the 42nd minute. Kotoko captain Musah Hamzarat equalised with a powerful header eight minutes after the interval.

The result leaves Medeama top with 18 points, level with Samartex, while Kotoko fell to 10th on 13 points.

Samartex climbed to second after securing a 1-0 victory over Gold Stars in the Western derby. Christian Agyenim Boateng converted a penalty in the 25th minute to earn the Timber Giants their fourth win of the campaign and move them level on points with Medeama.

Hearts of Oak’s three-match winning run ended with a 1-0 loss at Debibi Presby Park. Sarkodie Demetrous scored in the 51st minute to give Debibi United a valuable victory, lifting the debutants out of the relegation zone.

The defeat dropped Hearts of Oak, known as the Phobians, to third in the table.

FC AshantiGold 04 came from behind to beat Swedru All Blacks 2-1 in one of the weekend’s notable results at the Swedru Sports Stadium.

Faisal Charwetey put All Blacks ahead after seven minutes, but Zak Musah restored parity for the Elephants seven minutes later. Frederick Twumasi completed the turnaround in the 77th minute.

The result ended AshantiGold’s difficult run of away results, while All Blacks saw their three-match winning streak and 10-match unbeaten home record come to an end.

Aduana FC returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over regional rivals Berekum Chelsea at the Nana Agyeman Badu I Park in Dormaa Ahenkro.

Stephen Amankona scored in the 43rd and 50th minutes to secure the Bono derby win for the Ogya Boys, who had lost to Medeama in their previous match.

Dreams FC recorded their first league victory of the season by beating Basake Holy Stars 1-0 at the AAK II Sports Arena.

Bernard Kokonu scored the only goal in the 50th minute, after Holy Stars had been reduced to 10 men when Bismark Teye was sent off in the 33rd minute. The defeat ended Holy Stars’ perfect home record and gave Dreams a boost as they attempt to climb the standings.

Young Apostles and Karela United played out a goalless draw. The point offered Karela some relief after their previous defeat, while Young Apostles missed the chance to claim maximum points at home as they continue to fight near the foot of the table. Issah Nyaabila was named the Most Valuable Player.