GPL : Hearts of Lions roar past Porcupine Warriors to avoid the drop zone

Kpando Hearts of Lions edged Kumasi Asante Kotoko 1-0 in Saturday afternoon’s Ghana premier league Matchday 18 clash at the Kpando stadium, moving out of the relegation zone with the victory.

Godfred Nana Kwadwo’s second half strike proved to be the difference between the sides in Kpando, as it moved Hearts of Lions out of the drop zone and into safety for the time being.

Kotoko, who had not lost an away fixture in the league since November 11, set the tone for the game with numerous goal attempts.

Hearts of Lions goalkeeper, Thomas Kwabena Osae, thwarted the efforts of Peter Amidu from close range after 8 minutes before producing a smart save down low to deny Steve Dese Mukwala 10 minutes later.

The home side came close to breaking the deadlock with two well-worked free-kicks from the edge of the box, but Kotoko’s Frederick Asare was on hand to ensure the game headed into the break on level pegging.

Lions roared out of the traps in the second half, leaving Kotoko bewildered with their display as they went ahead before the hour mark; Yaw Danso steamed into the 18yard box before nicking the ball back to an unmarked Godfred Nana Kwadwo to tuck the ball in from close range.

Kotoko were shell-shocked by the goal and were further reduced to 10 men as they desperately sought for a route back into the game.

Lions managed to see out the match to record a memorable first win in Kpando since 2015.


Bashiru Hayford keeps making Hay
Bashiru Hayford was appointed in December 2023 as lions boss, replacing Salifu Fatawu after an underwhelming start to the season.

The veteran manager has since then gone on to produce wonders for Lions, with the team picking up their first win of the season under his stewardship.

Lions victory against Asante Kotoko means the team is currently enjoying its best run of form in the league, with 3 wins, a draw and a defeat in their last 5 games.

Lions have moved up to 18 points after their impressive victory, and will be aspiring to finish the second half of the league as they have began in Kpando – their buoyant home grounds.

Bashiru Hayford is making the most out of the players at his disposal, and will aim to stay in the top flight. More so, playing their home games now at the dreaded Kpando stadium gives the team the verve to attain the feat.


Porcupine Warriors fail to battle
Kumasi Asante Kotoko, who were crowned as the inaugral winners of the J.A Kuffour cup last week, played with a bit of ‘hangover’ as the team failed to move out of first gear and put up a battle in Kpando.

Asante Kotoko prior to Saturday’s clash had not lost an away league fixture or a game in the league since losing at Sarmatex on November 11, 2023.

Kotoko never seemed to get going and missed the opportunity to go level at the summit of the table with Sarmatex, producing a performance below their standards.

The porcupine warriors impressive run of five league victories in six league games was brought to an abrupt end in Kpando, leaving the title race wide open for Aduana Stars, Sarmatex and Nations Fc.

Kotoko host Gold stars next at the Baba Yara stadium, as they look to rectify their errors and get the second half of the season on track.

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Story by: Andrews Sefa Bamfo | univers.ug.edu.gh