Lions beat Sportive 2-0 in Accra

Accra, Oct 20, GNA - Kpando Heart of Lions continued their impressive run in the novelty premier league when they humbled Tema Real Sportive 2-0 at the El Wak Sports Stadium on Wednesday.

Lions scored a goal in each half and both teams missed a penalty in the match that was very competitive from start to finish.


Joseph Musiri shot the visitors into the lead in the 29th minute when he headed in from an incisive pass by Tanko Adams from the right. This was after Sportive's goalkeeper laud Quartey had failed to score from the penalty spot as his shot was saved by his counterpart, Mosad Adjetey.


On 20 minutes skipper Tahiru Siba threatened Sportive with a thunderous shot, which missed the right upright narrowly.


Siba's effort brought the best out of his colleagues and they seized the initiative from their opponents with little Obed Ansah glittering in the middle with his sleek footwork and accurate passes. Referee John Atikese from Koforidua failed to award Lions a penalty when Ansah was upended in the box and his inaction angered the pocket of Lions' supporters who registered their displeasure by shouting obscenities.


Just before the break, Tanko forced a great save from keeper Quartey

when he spiked a ferocious shot from atop the six yard box. In the second half, Sportive became more urgent in their play and forced Lions to defend persistently, but each time they came in front of goal, their strike force shot wide.


Ralph Onyiah Jnr. Who was the main pivot of the Sportive attack struck the woodwork twice and flew his shots above the bar on four occasions when it appeared easier to score from his position. At the Lions' rear, Jerry Akaminku stood tall and commandeered his colleagues to halt the adventurous intentions of Sportive, giving adequate cover to keeper Adjetey who also played very well.


Eight minutes into the second half, Obed Ansah scrambled in the second goal for Lions when hooked onto an excellent ball provided by Emmanuel Heward from the right


On seventy minutes, Lions missed the chance to make it three when Quartey punched Joseph Musiri's penalty kick and the Lions' attackers failed to react swiftly.


Lions missed yet another chance, with two minutes remaining when Ansah meandered through the defensive formation of Sportive and centred for Akaminku whose powerful volley just missed. After two minutes of added time, referee Atikese whistled for the end of the match and the supporters of the travellers from Kpando swung into spontaneous jubilation.