Bashir Hayford's Heart of Lions side extended their lead on top of the table to three points after narrowly pipping Young Apostles 1-0 through Kwesi P
Bashir Hayford’s Heart of Lions side extended their lead on top of the table to three points after narrowly pipping Young Apostles 1-0 through Kwesi Pong’s late goal.
Heart of Lions has undeniably punched above their weight in the current campaign after defying all odds and sitting on top of the league log after week 14. The Kpando-based club has become unbeatable after being able to work on their mentality under the guidance of the evergreen Bashir Hayford.
Heading into the game against Young Apostles on Boxing Day, Heart of Lions knew a win could pile pressure on their competitors especially Kotoko and Bibiani Gold Stars who coincidentally face each other on Friday night at the Baba Yara Sports stadium in Kumasi.
The newly opened Kpando Sports Stadium has been extremely good for Heart of Lions as it normally hears their request when things get tougher for them. On Thursday afternoon, Kpando Heart of Lions failed to break down Holy Stars after dominating the game for 85 minutes.
The league leaders’ first-half dominance was based on possession after enjoying 64% but failed to create many chances from it. With just one shot on target from 6 goal attempts, Bashir Hayford’s Heart of Lions needed to be more clinical in the second half to stand any chance of breaking down the resilient Apostles.
Young Apostles have been struggling recently but had a good first half after enjoying less possession but had two shots on target.
The second half promised to be very competitive because the home side needed the three points to remain on top of the table while Young Apostles also needed it to move higher up the table.
Heart of Lions improved on their dominance by continuing to suffocate the visitors. Their only shot on target in the second half came in the 85th minute with Kwesi Pong scoring to condemn Young Apostles to their third defeat in four league games.
The win is shockingly four in a row for Heart of Lions. The club has lost just one game in the Premier League with everything pointing to the fact that they are officially contenders for the title.
Young Apostles are 14th on the log after winning 14 points from 15 games. With just one point above the relegation zone, Young Apostles have a tough job now in their bid to remain in the league.
In other games on Boxing Day, 10 men Aduana Stars won 1-0 away at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium against Legon Cities. The Ogya Boys have moved to 11th on the log after the important win as the Royals remain rooted at the bottom of the table.
Basake Holy Stars’ fixture against the in-form Bechem United was postponed due to the visitors’ inability to reach the Crosby Awuah Memorial Stadium in Nzema Anyinase due to the breakdown of their bus en route to Western Region.
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