Liberty spank Real Sportive

Accra, March 2, GNA - Striker Latifu Salifu capped his first full home debut in spectacular style as he scored a hat-trick to aid Liberty Professionals to a 3-1 victory over Tema Real Sportive in their 12th week Onetouch Premier League encounter at the Dansoman Carl Reindorf Park on Sunday.

The young striker who is highly regarded as a perfect replacement for former hit-man, Kojo Asamoah who has since joined Italian Serie A side, Udinese, scored his first in the 25th minute before adding two more goals later in the second half.

Salifu becomes the second player after Kotoko's Eric Bekoe to have grabbed a hat-trick in the 12 Week old premiership taking his tally to four in three games.

The game started on a low note but Liberty who introduced three new faces - Isaac Quayson, Ashmond Asamoah and Salifu in their starting line up had the better of the exchanges.

After several unsuccessful attempts into the visitors half, Salifu broke the deadlock in the 25 minute with a cheeky volley following a superb one-on-one with midfielder Sam Ayew Yeboah. Visiting Sportive resumed the second half a much improved side but still found the Liberty rear of Bawa Mumuni, David Kabu, Kennedy Korlie and Richard Kissi too tough to break.

They were however gifted with a fine opportunity in the 53rd minute but midfielder Richard Yeboah shot wide with only the Liberty goalkeeper, Patrick Antwi to beat.

The introduction of Emmanuel Baffour for Quayson in the 74th minute added some bite into the Liberty attack as they went ahead to raid the visitors half on several occasions.

Their efforts yielded results six minutes later when Salifu connected home a rebound after Sportive goalkeeper John Adjetey parried Yaw Antwi's goal-bound grounder back into his path. Sixty seconds later, Salifu completed his hat-trick by sliding the ball past onrushing goalie Adjetey after he capitalized on a through ball from Ayew Yeboah.

Sportive managed to grab a consolation goal after three minutes of added on time through Solomon Adjei from a spectacular free-kick which turned out to be the last kick of the game.