A ridiculous blunder by Philemon McCarthy in post for Accra Hearts Oak proved costly as the Phobians succumbed 1-2 to Kpando Hearts of Lions on day one of the MTN GHALCA Top 4 tournament. McCarthy’s aerial frailty was on display as he made a howler of a second half free-kick, paving the way for a rebound which went to the roof of the post for Lions’ winning goal. Bernard Don Bortey, back from an unsuccessful trial in Europe shot the Phobians into the lead in the 7th minute but the more determined Kpando side got the equalizer through Eric Andoh in the 31st minute. Lions looked the more resolute side, with Gladson Awako and Godfred Yeboah tidying up well in midfield, cutting supplies to the Phobian attack led by Eric Gawu. The game appeared a bit balanced in the early embers of the second half, but the Phobians lost concentration a bit too early as the Lions pressed for the match winner. Don Bortey who looked out of sorts after his goal, exhibited flashes of brilliance later in the second half with rampaging runs on the left with some incisive crosses but which were missed by his colleagues. Hearts pressed for the equalizer but a stupendous free-kick from Don Bortey close to the 18-yard box took a ricochet of the goal post and another blistering strike from Douglas Nkrumah whisked just wide. Lions’ Kofi Nti Boakye breached the defence line of the Phobians and released a terrific strike which was well dealt with by McCarthy in the 78th minute. Godwin Fiamenyo, a new signing for the Phobians brought a sense of purpose and agility to the attack after substituting Gawu. His feeble left foot shot eluded the Lions goalkeeper but the wood work went to his rescue. A tale of near misses for the Phobians at the closing stages of the game ensured that Lions earned their revenge after suffering a back-to-back defeat in the just ended premier league. Elsewhere at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, King Faisal led by its new coach, Isaac Opeele Boateng shattered the Porcupine Warriors by 2 goals to 1. Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana