Liberty/Kotoko split points

Accra, May 31, GNA - Liberty Professionals and Kumasi Asante Kotoko settled for a one draw in a 22nd week league game played at the El Wak Stadium on Saturday.

Fast and swift inter positional play from both sides characterized the match, which lived up to its billing as a top of the table clash. Liberty Professionals took the lead in the 7th minute through a 15 yard free kick expertly taken by Emmanuel Osei. The goal set the tone for an intense battle as both sides gave it their all, with action swinging from one side of the field to the other. However, the defensive set up of Kotoko and liberty proved equal to the task as they managed to deal with each dangerous moment with ease. A 16th minute effort by Kotoko's Francis Akwafo and a perfect cross to Jordan Opoku saw the resultant header missing target narrowly to deny Kotoko the equalizer.

Liberty's strike force led by Yaw Antwi and Latif Salifu however ensured Kotoko's defence remained under pressure and they nearly increased the tally in the 44th minute through Sam Ayew Yeboah but he failed to applied the needed effort and let Kotoko off the hook. Kotoko came on strongly in the early parts of the second half and subjected Liberty to intense pressure with four corner kicks within five minutes but they failed to convert any of them. The league leaders however did not relent in their efforts in finding the equalizer and appeared burned out before the end of the first quarter in the second half.

Liberty then took control and made series of dangerous moves into the defence of Kotoko after taking dominance of the midfield. They created countless begging chances, which went waste as the likes of Antwi, Salifu and Ayew Yeboah seem not ready to extend the lead for their side.

The trend of the game pointed to a victory for Liberty, but Kotoko was once again pull a last minute trigger in the 99th minute when Opoku's cross over the defence of Liberty saw Francis Akwafo connecting with a volley over on rushing keeper Yaw Berko for the much needed equalizer.

It was a well deserved equalizer for Kotoko, who never relented in their efforts to keep a comfortable lead on the table as referees T.K Aggrey saw off the match.