BY Grace Zigah
Heart of Lions have delivered a significant setback to Asante Kotoko’s Ghana Premier League title chase after securing an emphatic 3-1 victory at the Kpando Sports Stadium in their GPL 2025/26 encounter on Friday evening.
The result not only revived Lions’ campaign after a recent defeat but also dented Kotoko’s hopes of closing the gap on league leaders Medeama.
Kumasi Asante Kotoko came into the match under pressure, having trailed Medeama by eight points following the leaders’ slip-up in their earlier loss to Nations FC.
The Porcupine Warriors were expected to capitalise on that opportunity, but instead faltered against a determined Lions side in front of their home supporters.
The match began cautiously, with both teams engaged in a tense opening spell.
However, Heart of Lions broke the deadlock in the 35th minute through Seedorf Asante, who produced a fine finish to put the hosts ahead.
Lions then doubled their advantage just before halftime when Ali Fawzi struck on the stroke of the break, sending the home side into the dressing room with a commanding 2-0 lead.
Kotoko responded strongly in the second half and managed to reduce the deficit around the hour mark after Samba O’Neil converted from the penalty spot, raising hopes of a potential comeback.
But those hopes were dashed with 20 minutes remaining when forward Michael Ephson restored Lions’ two-goal cushion, sealing the contest at 3-1.
Despite Kotoko’s efforts, they were unable to mount another fightback as Heart of Lions returned to winning ways, bouncing back from their previous defeat to Bechem United.
The victory pushes Lions into renewed confidence as they continue their campaign.
Kotoko remain third in the league standings with 35 points, while Heart of Lions sit seventh with 30 points, narrowing the gap between the two sides. Attention now shifts to Kotoko’s next fixture, a highly anticipated super clash against rivals Hearts of Oak in Kumasi.
Heart of Lions, meanwhile, will travel to face Berekum Chelsea in their next league assignment.
The defeat leaves Kotoko with more ground to cover in their pursuit of the title, while Lions celebrate a memorable win that could prove pivotal in their season.
