Champion club, Accra Hearts of Oak suffered a disappointing 0-1 defeat at the hands of Kpando Heart of Lions in their Onetouch Top Four championship opener at the Robert Mensah Sports Stadium, Cape Coast on Sunday.
Lions who played a tactical game outplayed Hearts and shot into the lead as early as the 9th minute when guest player, midfielder Allan Shearer slotted home the match winner after Hearts goalie Sannie Mohammed failed to make a first time save from Samuel Ellis’ goal bound shot.
Hearts hit back and made frantic efforts to equalize but the defence of Lions foiled their attempts at goal.
Hearts resumed the second half strongly, with their attack led by guest player Ishmael Addo combining effectively with Bernard Dong Bortey and Eric Gawu as they brought pressure on Lions, forcing a number of corner-kicks but the attackers failed to utilise the chances.
The Phobians continued to harass the defence of the Lions with short and accurate passes but the Kpando lads proved resolute as they continued to foil all the attempts to allow them to break even.
Meanwhile, at the Sunyani Coronation Park, Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Berekum Arsenals settled for a pulsating goalless draw in the other match of the Top Four competition.
The next fixtures will see Hearts playing host to Kotoko at the Robert Mensah Stadium at Cape Coast on Sunday whilst Arsenal also host Lions at the Sunyani Coronation Park on the same day.
