Lions stun Hearts in GHALCA Top Four opener

Accra Hearts of Oak slipped to a narrow 1-0 reverse against Heart of Lions in the opening game of the GHALCA Top Four competition on Saturday afternoon in Accra.

The Kpando-based side registered the only goal of the game in the 14th minute through former Ghana striker Sam Yeboah from the spot.

Hearts of Oak coach Herbert Addo surprisingly left Kenneth Okoro and Winful Cobbinah on his bench while Gerald Odupong and Owusu Addai both started for the Phobians.

Tetteh Luggard manned the post with youngster Kingsley Kissi dropped to the bench.

Lions’ trainer Yussif Abubakar responded to Addo’s line-up by naming former Ghana striker Sam Yeboah in his line-up along with experienced midfielder Edmund Owusu Ansah in midfield.

Neither of the sides had barely settled in the game before Lions claimed the opening goal with the first quarter of an hour approaching.

Tetteh Luggard whose form has come under question from fans impeded Sam Yeboah inside the box and referee Reginald Lathbridge pointed to the spot.

The 28-year-old former Racing Genk striker sent Luggard the wrong way.

Hearts made several attempts to defray the deficit but they were unable to break down the Lions defence.

After the break, Herbert Addo shuffled his cards and introduced Kenneth Okoro, Gilbert Fiamenyo and Winful Cobbinah but were unable to equalise.