Basake Holy Stars claimed a crucial three points on Sunday after grinding out a narrow victory against Swedru All Blacks at the AAK II Sports Stadium in Ampain.
In a contest loaded with relegation tension, it took a moment of sharp awareness from Jacob Boazee to separate the two sides. The forward struck just after the hour mark, converting from close range to hand the Nzema-based outfit a priceless advantage.
The opening 45 minutes reflected the high stakes of the encounter. Both teams approached the game cautiously, wary of defensive errors that could prove costly. While Holy Stars saw more of the ball and attempted to dictate proceedings, neither side created meaningful chances before the interval.
Swedru All Blacks, buoyed by a positive result in their previous outing, adopted a disciplined shape and looked to spring forward on quick transitions. However, their attacking moves lacked the final pass to truly trouble the home defence.
The decisive moment arrived midway through the second half. A lapse at the back allowed Boazee to pounce inside the penalty area, and he kept his composure to fire past the goalkeeper, igniting celebrations among the home supporters.
From that point, the visitors threw bodies forward in pursuit of an equaliser, but Holy Stars remained organised and resilient. The backline absorbed the pressure effectively, limiting clear sights of goal and protecting their slim lead until the final whistle.
The result provides a significant boost for Holy Stars as they attempt to steer clear of the relegation trap. For All Blacks, the defeat leaves them still entangled in the survival scrap, with little margin for error as the campaign progresses.