Kpando Heart of Lions, the pride of Volta Region, marked the Africa Day celebration with an impressive victory over the Liberian national team, the Lone Star, in an international friendly match at the Kpando stadium.
Lions beat the Liberian side 5-0 in the match that formed part of the build-up for Liberia who meet Mali in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on June 6, 2004. Liberia who fielded five professionals ? Aloysious Penny, Jumes Koko Lome,Patrick Nimely, Major Kolistis and Oscar Glaydor ? did not scare the youthful Lions team that matched them boot for boot.
With home support, Lions opened the floodgates with a 13th minute goal by their goal poacher, Samuel Yeboah. Left winger Dini made it 2-0 from a spot-kick after Liberia's centre half, Aloysious Penny, handled the ball in the '18' in the 27th minute. Sam Yeboah scored the third goal in the 39th minute to end the first half.
On resumption, both sides made changes, but it was Lions who gained a lot from the reshuffle as they continued to pile pressure on the Liberia team. Centre forward Patrick Nimely the livewire of the Liberia team was shown the red card for insulting referee G.K. Asante from Ho.
The exit of the professional player affected the Liberians, but as they settled down to play constructive football, Lions? Sam Yeboah spoiled their plan with another great goal in the 78th minute.
The goal came as a result of a combination at the right flank between Tanko Adams, Iddrisu Ibrahim, Musah Mohammed and Awuku Solomon for Sam Yeboah to connect home.Liberia, with their pride at stake, opened up and came close to at least pulling a goal back, but poor finishing and the tendency of hanging too much on the ball robbed them of goal.
Sam Yeboah crowned his day with the fourth goal in the 85th minute to bring the final score to 5-0 in Lion?s favour.
