Heart of Lions produced a gutsy show that undid champions Kumasi Asante Kotoko at Kpando yesterday and threw the Premier League title race wide open after AshantiGold also toppled Hearts of Oak at Obuasi.
Two first half strikes by Isaac Osae and Koney Idan capped an afternoon of sheer determination for Lions and secured a comprehensive 2-0 victory that sent the Kpando township agog even long after the final whistle, while AshantiGold pipped Hearts 1-0.
The two sides have fought some interesting battles in the past, but if Kotoko’s dominance in the overall head-to-head computation gave any clues, it proved useless to the events of yesterday, as the hosts fought from defence to midfield to attack.
Until Bechem United’s giant-killing feat ended their six-match winning streak the previous Sunday, Kotoko’s all-conquering form never seemed endangered, irrespective of the venue. But now within eight days, Coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani’s men have lost twice.
Lions had held Hearts of Oak to a 1-1 draw at the same venue last week Sunday, and were tipped to be tough customers for the Porcupine Warriors, too. But what was on display at Kpando could only have been a wild guess before kick-off as Lions raced to a 2-0 lead after 26 minites, the goals separated by nine minutes.
Despite the loss, Kotoko retained the top spot as closest rivals Hearts crashed at Obuasi and slipped to third place under the weight of AshantiGold who now occupy second spot.
Shaffiu Mohammed’s second half goal helped AshantiGold overtake Hearts on the league standings, on account of the head-to-head, and extended the Len Clay side’s unbeaten streak in the league.
In Accra, Michael Appiah’s only goal in the 35th minute gave Liberty Professionals a 1-0 victory over visiting New Edubiase United at the Accra Sports Stadium yesterday, reports Peter Sarbah & Bernard Neequaye.
Soufian Abubakar had quickly returned Appiah’s pass in the penalty area after Edubiase’s Alhassan Nunu had lost the ball upfield before he delivered a sublime shot at the blind side of Ben Mensah in post for Edubiase.
The goal came against the run of play after Edubiase started the better side, but they failed to take their chances especially in the 20th minute when Bernard Ofori missed a begging chance after Asiedu Attobrah had fought to spot Nuhu Fuseini to set him up.
New Edubiase continued to mount pressure on Liberty Professionals creating several chances but were often checked by the solid barrier created by the imposing presence of Afred Nelson and Tuffour Frimpong at the heart of the Liberty defence.
Source: Graphic Sports/Ghana