Kotoko labour lives on

Accra, Oct 22, GNA – Champions Asante Kotoko dreams of departing from their poor start to the Glo Premiership lives on as the Porcupine Warriors could only labour for yet another point in their third week game against Heart of Lions on Sunday.      Playing at home and under the guidance of Manager Didi Mas-Ud Dramani, the defending champions hope for a possible three points slipped through their fingers after a late rally from Lions to cancel a late lead by Kofi Nti Boakye in a dramatic game which saw both teams scoring from the spot.      Kotoko seeking to defend their title have piled a paltry three points from a possible nine and playing at home in front of their committed supporters was expected to make the difference. But once more, the ‘Fabulous’ lost their guard late; relinquishing an 82-minute lead which sent the stadium agog.      It was Lions’ Nana Egyir who added a dramatic twist to the game following his foul on advancing Nafiu Iddrissu with barely eight minutes to end the duel. Captain Boakye stepped forward to send Kotoko ahead but eight minutes on, Egyir redeemed himself after Ransford Osei fouled a Lions’ attacker in the penalty area to which Tamale-based Class One referee, Ibrahim Sumaila awarded the visitors. Egyir took the responsibility of drawing the Kpando-based team parity and in style.        Kotoko will now be on the road to Dormaa in search of that first victory when they play as guest of Aduna who have won once and drawn twice under difficult circumstance in the league so far.      Chelsea emerged the stronger in their local derby with Arsenals in the battle of Berekum at the  Golden City Park. Chelsea who has jumped to the apex of the league table with seven points pushed two bitter pills down the throats of Arsenals with goals from Latif Salifu and Ibrahim Issaka to pluck all three points.        Arsenals who survived last season’s Premiership by the skin proved no game for their neighbours  who enjoyed an outstanding spell as debutants in the continent's plum inter-club competitions, CAF Champions League only weeks ago.      Elsewhere in Tema, Ebusua Dwarfs posted the shock of the season when they brought Hearts of Oak down to earth with a 3-1 victory over the high flying Phobians. The victors, playing their home game at the Tema Stadium as a result of their home ban took the lead six minutes after the half hour mark through John Arthur.         Hearts’ Nuru Sully equalized a few minutes on but Dwarfs, searching for their first victory in three outings stepped up their game, netting two other goals through Prince Appiah who gravely exposed goalkeeper Sammy Adjei with a volley just outside the penalty box before Bright Luqman scored from the spot latter in the game.       The win which lifts Dwarfs to sixth on the log halted Hearts surge on the league following impressive outing in their first two games which saw them thump Edubiase 5-2 and drawing one all with Tema Youth away. The Phobians are now behind Chelsea, Medeama and Aduana  on the table.         At the Tamale Stadium, Real Tamale United (RTU) were held 1-1 by visiting Aduana who appeared favoured for the game. The results marks Mohammed Gargo’s charges second straight draw since returning to the elite division.        Debutants Amidaus Professionals’ quest to record another victory and take their tally to seven of a possible nine was halted by ‘returnees’ King Faisal in their duel at the Tema Stadium. Faisal’s lone goal by Sulley Mohammed was enough to take the Kumasi-based team to mid-table.       Liberty Professionals abysmal start to the league did not appear to be nearing its end after picking only a point in their game with Ashgold at the Sly Tetteh Stadium, Dansoman. Liberty languishing at the foot of the 16-team league table could only manage a scoreless encounter.        All Stars drew one all with Medeama at the Wa Park while Edubiase defeated Tema Youth by a lone goal.             GNA ... Read Full Story