Accra Lions’ survival hopes took a heavy hit on Friday as city rivals Hearts of Oak handed them a crushing 3-1 defeat in a fiery Accra derby at the Sports Stadium.
It was a tale of two clubs headed in opposite directions. While Hearts of Oak continued their late-season charge for a top-four finish, the Lions were left clinging to their Premier League status with just two matches to play.
The Phobians drew first blood early. In the 11th minute, Enoch Asubonteng latched onto a clever pass and coolly finished to put Hearts ahead, igniting the home fans in a sun-soaked stadium buzzing with local pride.
Accra Lions, who have laboured on the road all season, showed signs of life in the second half. Their persistence paid off in the 69th minute when Lawrence Setordjie unleashed a thunderbolt from distance to level the score in spectacular fashion.
But joy quickly turned to despair. Just moments after his goal, Setordjie was forced off through injury, and with him seemed to go the Lions’ momentum.
Hearts capitalised ruthlessly. Kwesi Asmah pounced on a defensive lapse to restore the lead in the 79th minute before Hamza Issah delivered the final blow with a deft lob following a breakdown in Lions’ communication at the back.
It was yet another away-day disappointment for the Lions, who have now won just one of 15 games on the road this season. Their 16th-place standing leaves them in grave danger, with only two matches left to avoid the drop.
For Hearts, the derby win was more than local bragging rights. It moved them into fifth place and just two points behind bitter rivals Asante Kotoko, keeping their dreams of a top-four finish very much alive.
