Lions pip Kotoko in Top Four Tourney

Accra, Sept 27, GNA - Ibrahim Suleman's strike ensured Kpando Heart of Lions secured a second win in the Glo Top Four tourney with a late goal that bruised defending champions, Kumasi Asante Kotoko in the last group game of the competition at the Ohene Djan Stadium, Accra. Kotoko was out of sort for most part of the game which the host (Lions) dominated in a manner that cast doubt over the "Porcupine Warriors" invincibility.

Both teams produced a few chances but proved wasteful until Sulemana defied the odds to break the deadlock with seven minutes to end proceedings.

Sulemana appeared too casual after he profited from a goal mouth melee when he was caught in-between two Kotoko defenders but the striker survived a fall to knock the ball past goalkeeper Isaac Amoako in posts. In between play, Kotoko's Eric Bekoe and Kwabena Yaro let their team down with comedy of errors whenever they approached the host goal area.

It was however Lions' whose intention appeared clear when Amoako was stretched by Stephen Owusu twice in the early stages of the game. Amoako was lucky in the first instance when Owusu's lob deflected off the post to safety and went to score full marks with the second by pulling a glorious save three minutes on to keep Kotoko in the game.

The two teams resumed the second half with scanty chances and when Lion's Edmund Owusu Ansah missed from a close range after 74 minutes when confronted with only the goalie, it became apparent that goal scoring remains Ghana's major headache in the acclaimed "Passion of the Nation."

Kotoko did all they could in search of the equaliser but the Lions defence stood tall until the final whistle to send the few Kotoko fans home highly disappointed Kotoko would meet Liberty Professionals in the grand finale fixed for the Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi next month.