Liberty beat Arsenal to keep heat on Lions

Accra, June 11, GNA - Liberty Professionals kept the heat on Heart of Lions when they chalked a lone goal victory over visiting Berekum Arsenal in their Week 24 clash of the Onetouch Premier League match at the Dansoman Carl Reindorf Park, Accra on Wednesday. Striker Latif Salifu scored the only goal of the match in the 42nd minute which moved the Dansoman-based side two points near to Lions who occupy the second spot on 45 points after stumbling to a one all drawn game to Kessben in their encounter.

Liberty, who have made clear their intentions of participating in next year's CAF-MTN Champions League which can only be realized with no less a position than the second place started on a high note but the soggy nature of the pitch affected the progression of the game. Coach Cecil Jones Attuquayefio made three changes to his squad with former Black Stars midfielder Razak Ibrahim, David Addo and Maxwell Mensah replacing Daniel Yeboah, Bawa Munumi and David Kabu respectively. Ibrahim, who featured in his first game since joining Liberty during the second round, showed glimpses of his old traits, but the soggy pitch ensured that most of his forays became ineffective. The visitors matched Liberty equally in all departments but lacked the power upfront as burly striker Francis Aggrey often fumbled in front of goal.

In the 40th minute, Ibrahim masterminded a foray into the Arsenal half but Yaw Antwi's effort at goal was dealt with beautifully by Akwasi Acheampong in defence.

The resultant corner kick effected by Richard Kissi saw Salifu who defied his height to soar above Arsenal defender Mutalabi Mohammed to head home leaving goalkeeper Shaibu Issahaku hapless. The second half was a balanced game but it was the visitors who came closer to finding the back of the net in the 87th minute but Aggrey's long range effort missed the posts by inches to the relief of Liberty fans and team.