Title contenders, Aduana Stars have lost further grounds on leaders Ashantigold after going down 1:0 to Heart of Lions in Kpando.

Prince Acquah converted an 18th minute penalty to give Lions all the valuable three points, which also kept their dreams of avoiding relegation alive.

With Ashantigold stretching their lead on Saturday after earning a vital point away at Berekum Chelsea, Aduana needed to win to keep up the pressure on the miners.

However, their defeat has now left them four points behind and Ashantigold will be crowned champions if theu win their next game at home.

The match was equally important for the home side, who are also involved in the battle to avoid relegation. With so many clubs in contention to avoid the drop, defeat would have spelt doom for Lions, especially on a day their other relegation contenders recorded vital points.