GhanaFA

Lions beat Hearts to win Top-4 title

15 years ago
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Heart of Lions have clinched the Top-4 title even ahead of the final day matches after beating Hearts of Oak 3-2 at the Ohene Djan Stadium in Accra.

With the result of the other game in Kumasi ending goalless, Lions with a maximum 13 points to their credit from five games clinch the off-season competition as they are five points clear of King Faisal, their opponents for Sunday.

And certainly, Sunday would be their coronation moment when they play in Kumasi.

Kofi Nti Boakye gave Lions the lead after ghosting past Karim Alhassan to lob goalkeeper Laud Quartey in the first half.

But Hearts lifted themselves from that setback after a promising start to draw level before the break when Karim Alhassan nodded in a corner kick.

The Phobians returned from the break determined to jump into the lead but a cross into the box by Tanko Mohammed, who picked up the best player award was turned into goal by Karim Alhassan.

Lions roared into a two-goal advantage when Tanko Mohammed was put through by a Daniel Acquaye pass to slot in.

The leaders starting thrilling the crowd as they drew rings around the Phobians in the last eight minutes of the game. Lions were in no hurry to find goal as they continued to dictate the pace of the game.

Hearts though chasing the ball for longer period came in strongly and pulled a goal back through Tetteh Nortey, though it served as a consolation.

Asante Kotoko after four successive defeats recorded their best result yet in the four-team competition drawing 0-0 with King Faisal at the Baba Yara Stadium.

The Porcupine Warriors have thus picked up a point though they would finish bottom of the table even after the final day matches.

Kotoko, though with no chance of landing the title will travel Accra to play bitterest rivals, Hearts of Oak.