Heart of Lions players celebrate
Heart of Lions dealt Asante Kotoko a significant setback in their Ghana Premier League title ambitions after securing an emphatic 3–1 victory at the Kpando Sports Stadium.
The Porcupine Warriors, who had already seen the gap to league leaders Medeama widen to eight points following Friday’s defeat to Nations FC, failed to capitalise on the leaders’ slip and suffered another damaging loss on the road.
After a cautious start to the contest, the hosts struck first in the 35th minute through Seedorf Asante, who produced a fine finish to put Heart of Lions in front. The home side doubled their advantage just before the break when Ali Fawzi found the net in added time, giving Lions firm control heading into halftime.
Kotoko showed renewed urgency after the restart and were handed a route back into the game when Samba O’Neil converted from the penalty spot around the hour mark to reduce the deficit. However, any hopes of a sustained comeback were quickly extinguished.
With 20 minutes remaining, forward Michael Ephson restored Heart of Lions’ two-goal cushion, sealing the victory and ensuring the hosts bounced back after their previous defeat to Bechem United.
Kotoko were unable to mount a late response and now sit third on the league table with 35 points, five ahead of Heart of Lions, who move up to seventh.
Attention now turns to the highly anticipated Super Clash, as Kotoko host Hearts of Oak in Kumasi next, while Heart of Lions travel to face Berekum Chelsea in their upcoming fixture.
BY Wletsu Ransford