Ghanaian duo Anthony Annan, Evans Mensah lift Finland league title with HJK Helsinki

Ghanaian duo of Anthony Annan and Evan Mensah lifted the Finnish league title HJK Helsinki on Saturday despite losing 3-2 to RoPs on Saturday.

They were once again crowned champions of Finland on Wednesday after an unassailable 20 points lead at the top of the Viekkausliiga table.

The capital club has now won seven of the last nine titles, but this is the first since 2014 after IFK Mariehamn won it last year and SJK Seinäjoki in 2015.

Coach Mika Lehkosuo had come under pressure during the two year break between championships, but he was pleased with the win.

"This has been a long process," said Lehkosuo. "And the coaching process toocan always be improved, but we've done well enough anyway. Our everyday work has been of a sufficient standard and that has brought us to this point. We weren't at our best in Europe, we lacked a few important players at the wrong time."

Lehkosuo said he expects to get the chance to put that right next season, after starting this one under a cloud of speculation that he might be sacked.

"I'd be amazed if I was fired now," said Lehkosuo.

HJK will now play in the 2018-19 UEFA Champions League.

The clubs finishing in second, third and fourth spots in Veikkausliiga will compete in the Europa League.