Hearts of Oak tame Lions at Kpando

Kpando, Sept 20, GNA - The "battle of Hearts" ended 2-1 in favour of the visiting Oak lads from Accra, over their hosts, Lions of Kpando in a mid-week Onetouch Premier League match played at the Kpando Stadium.

It was the visitors who drew the first blood, when Stephen Offei finished off an Amankwa Mireku's in-swinger in the 12th minute. Lions became exasperated after the goal began bombarding their opponents' goal area with apparent intent to erase the deficit. Lions got the equalizer through a beautifully converted spot kick by Stephen Owusu in the 30th minute when, Heart's Charles Vardis savagely brought down Azumah, for which Class One referee C.K. Aziza awarded a penalty.

This set the stage for an unending jubilation by the home fans till recess.

After the break, both sides effected two substitutions with Banahene and Daniel replacing worn out Godfred and Azumah for Lions and Nii Larbi and Nyarko changing Morgan and Afedzi of Hearts of Oak but the game remained balanced.

Hearts of Oak's marksman, Eric Gawu increased the tally for his side in the 80th minute in a goalmouth melee by thrusting the ball beyond the reach of goalie Stephen Ahorlu, thereby registering his first premiership goal.

The home fans, who were not satisfied with the performance of referee Atsarsa booed him at certain stages of the game to register their displeasure at his level of officiating.