Kumasi, Sept. 4, GNA - Kumasi Asante Kotoko beat Kpando Heart of Lions 3-0 in their on-going Glo Top 4 soccer tournament played at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Wednesday.

All the three goals were scored by fast improving Kotoko striker, Francis Akwafo, two of the goals were scored through spot kicks in each half.

The match, which was watched by a sparse crowd, saw Lions making the first attempt at goal in the 8th minute but Osei Morrison's shot sailed over the bar.

Kotoko warmed into the game and in the 11th minute Obeng Darko, whose header nearly got into the net, got injured and was replaced by Kwabena Yaro.

In the 15th minute Kotoko were awarded a penalty when Eric Opoku in an attempt to score was fouled by Godfred Rockson in the box. Akwafo opted for the kick and shot expertly into the net for the first goal.

Lions accepted the challenge and lifted their game, made series of forays into Kotoko'a goal area and nearly equalized in the 28th minute but the shot which came from Daniel Acquaye was parried to corner by goalkeeper Soulama Abdulaye. They continued with the attacks with Osei Morrison missing the post in the 33rd minute and Ibrahim Suleimana also wasting an opportunity in the 39th minute.

Kotoko came back strongly in the second half and increased their lead in the 53rd minute through another spot kick from Akwafo. The striker pounced on a pass from substitute Kwabena Yaro and dribbled past the defenders who had no alternative than to pull him down in the box.

Referee Thomas Nunoo, who was close to scene, did not hesitate and whistled for a penalty which was converted by the striker for the second goal.

Kotoko then took control of the game with short passes forcing Heart of Lions players to chase their shadows With the pride at stake, Lions made some replacements to at least redeem a goal but the Kotoko defenders with Stephen Oduro, Richard Manu and Osei Kwame Junior and Gari Yahaya Abdul stood firm. Akwafo scored the third goal during injury time when he connected home a perfect pass from Kwabena Yaro. Stephen Oduro was crowned man of the match at the end of the game with Akwafo also receiving a prize for scoring all the three goals. 04 Sept 08