RTU 2 Heart of Lions 0

Real Tamale United (RTU) on Wednesday pulled a surprise on visiting Kpando Heart of Lions at the Kaladan Park in Tamale by beating them by two goals to zero in the 17th week fixture.

The score put hopes and smiles on the lips of RTU supporters who thought the team was on its way to relegation considering its poor performance this season.

The two goals came as a surprise because the visitors played very well and deserved the three points but experienced play exhibited by Alhassan Weah and Joseph ADjei of RTU separated the two teams after 90 minutes of play.

The first half was a boring affair with the visitors playing better than RTU.

After recess, RTU picked up their game and made a few splendid moves into Lions' goal area. Goalkeeper Stephen Ahorlu remained a strong pillar in goal for the visitors. RTU had to bring in Mohammed Own, Gafaru Abdulai and Sulemana Faisal to strengthen their side, which actually helped them to win the three maximum points.

Sulemana Faisal's introduction changed RTU's pattern of play. He was a strong pillar for the Lions defence and his moves gave RTU six corner kicks in seven minutes, but they could not utilise them. In the dying minutes of the game, the visitors started playing delay tactics in anticipation of a draw with RTU pilling on the pressure on them.

When everybody thought the match was ending in a draw, Weah was fouled closer to the Lions' 18 yard area and FIFA referee William Agborvi whistled against the Lions.

Weah took the free kick and Joseph Adjei jumped above his opponents to head in to register the first goal for RTU in the 90th minute. Again during the last 40 seconds of the five minutes of time added time, Sulemana Faisal, with his usual antics dribbled three defenders and in an attempt to shoot at goal was fouled and the referee whistled for a penalty which Alhassan Weah neatly slotted in to register the second goal.

The second goal sent spectators and supporters of RTU into jubilant mood as they sang praises of the team.

Akwasi Soale was adjudged the best player of the match.