Eleven Wonders edge RTU to seal Ghana Premier League return – Nsemkeka
Techiman Eleven Wonders are back in the Ghana Premier League after defeating Real Tamale United 2–1 in a fiercely contested Division One playoff match on Wednesday.
From kickoff, both teams displayed urgency, but Eleven Wonders were the more clinical. Their early dominance was rewarded in the 12th minute when a sweeping team move from the left flank ended with a precise cross that found Frank Awere. The forward finished calmly to give Wonders a deserved 1–0 lead.
RTU, who entered the clash with 18 wins in the regular season, struggled to impose themselves early on. Abdulai Abdul Rashid attempted to inspire a response in the 19th minute, dribbling through traffic, but his shot veered wide. Wonders, with 15 wins to their name, looked composed and confident, dictating the tempo despite missing chances to extend their lead.
RTU’s best first-half opportunity came when Blabala Bamon dispossessed a defender inside the box, but a decisive tackle denied him a clear shot at goal. After one minute of stoppage time, referee Selorm Yao Bless blew for halftime with Eleven Wonders holding a narrow lead.
RTU returned from the break with renewed determination, increasing their intensity. But Eleven Wonders maintained their composure, stroking the ball around with assurance. Emmanuel Boateng stood out for the Techiman-based side, dazzling the crowd with his dribbling and control in midfield.
The equaliser eventually arrived in the 64th minute. After sustained pressure, RTU were awarded a penalty, and Blabala Bamon converted coolly to make it 1–1.
Eleven Wonders, however, were far from finished. They pressed forward with urgency and earned a penalty of their own shortly after. Left-back Farouk Ameyaw stepped up and calmly slotted it past the goalkeeper to restore their lead at 2–1.
With three minutes of added time, RTU pushed for a late response, but Eleven Wonders held firm. At the final whistle, joy erupted among their players and fans. After three seasons in the wilderness, they had sealed their return to Ghana’s top flight.
There were some ugly scenes in the stands. The sporting triumph was marred by scenes that continue to haunt Ghanaian football.
Late in the game, tensions flared in the stands between fans of both clubs. From the media section, it was clear the verbal exchanges had escalated. Police officers were forced to intervene as emotions boiled over between the two supporter groups.
The “Millennium Supporters Union of Ghana,” known for their passionate backing of Eleven Wonders, were particularly vocal, a factor that appeared to irk some RTU fans. Whether it was frustration over the result or provocations between factions, the incident served as a stark reminder of the need for stricter crowd control measures.
Designating separate ends of the stadium for rival fans may help defuse such flashpoints in future fixtures. Ghanaian football’s atmosphere is one of its strengths—but without proper management, it risks becoming a liability.
This victory marks redemption for Eleven Wonders, who narrowly missed out on promotion last season after a penalty shootout defeat to Young Apostles at the same venue. This time, there was no heartbreak—only history.
The Techiman club becomes one of three Division One League sides earning promotion to the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League, reclaiming their spot among the country’s elite.