Lions-Kotoko Top Four clash fixed for Sept. 27

Accra, Sept 17, GNA - The Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) has rescheduled the ultimate group phase tie of the Top Four tournament between Kpando Heart of Lions and Kumasi Asante Kotoko for Saturday, September 27 at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra. The top clash which was originally fixed for 24 hours further at the Ohene Djan Stadium, Accra had to be pushed back after a clash with the Black Satellites' final round qualifier against the Junior Scorpions of Gambia scheduled for the Ohene Djan stadium. The Satellites qualifying match has been tentatively fixed for the same date thus compelling the tournament organizers to settle for an alternative venue.

Kurt E.S. Okraku, Administrative Manager of GHALCA told GNA Sports that his outfit's choice was further motivated by the fact that the visiting team (Gambia) would have to train at the match venue 24 hours before their game. "The Gambians will train at the Ohene Djan Stadium on Saturday (September 27), therefore we were left with no option than opt for El-Wak stadium." Okraku said GHALCA has reached an advanced stage with the National Sports Council (NSC) and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) towards sanctioning the game because of the latest development. The Administrator noted that the other clash involving Berekum Arsenal and Liberty Professionals will come off on Sunday, (September 28) at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi as originally proposed.

Meanwhile, the one-off final has also been rescheduled for Sunday, October 26 at the Baba Yara Stadium. The clash had been slated for October 19, but Okraku said the congested fixture of the football calendar necessitated the change. The GHALCA Administrative Manager explained that the earlier date clashed with Asante Kotoko's ultimate CAF Confederation Cup tie with Sudanese side Al-Merrikh in Omdurman. Liberty and Asante Kotoko have confirmed their places for the final regardless of the outcome of the ultimate matches. This is the first time the winner of the annual competition will be decided via a one-off final since its inception seven years ago.