By Saddick Adams
A goalkeeping error by Heart of Lions' Nana Bonsu handed Aduana Stars a 1-0 win in the GHALCA Glo G8 Cup Group A tie on Saturday.
The former Ghana Under-17 gloves man spilled Godfred Saka's corner kick in the injury time of the first half but Gabriel Opoku Ware's rebound was blocked on the line by a Lions defender.
But that could not go far and the ball dropped in front of Daniel Darkwah who tucked home for the opener-which happened to be the last action to end the half.Â
The second Group match played at the Coronation Park was nearly postponed after an early down-pour.
The match was scrappy as both sides found it difficult to keep possession due to the because of the slippery nature of the field despite a bright start.
Aduana Stars new coach Aristica Ciorba opted for goalkeeper Celestine Damptey ahead of last two season's goalkeeper of the year Stephen Adams.
His choice did not disappoint as he made two quick saves two deny Lions an early lead within the first twenty minutes.
The 4-4-2 formation by Hans Van Der Plym of Lions proved too tough for the former Premier League champions who started without an out-and-out striker for the first half.
Aduana Stars were haunted by their former striker Daniel Bonsu who has joined Heart of Lions.
He was always a thorn in the flesh of the Aduana defence nearly snatched the opener in the 18th minute when he received a through pass from Prince Opoku but he shot wide.
The match seemed to be settling for a goalless first half when a harmless corner kick on the stroke of half time by right-back Saka went through the hands of Lions goakeeper Nana Bonsu.
Bonsu mistimed his steps as onlooking Daniel Darkwah shot into the net to register the first and only goal of the game.
Referee Patrick Kyeremanteg who was on top of the game ushered the two teams into the second half but the combatants failed to gel.
The battle in midfield intensified until Aristica introduced experienced Bernard Don Bortey for the last quarter of the game.
The former Hearts of Oak man immediately showed glimpses with good touches and took charge of all set pieces causing a lot of unrest in the Lions goal area.
Lions fought to get the equaliser by introducing Bright Nsiah in injury time but striker Daniel Bonsu and Prince Opoku had it tough penetrating the solid defence of Aduana stars.
Aduana will pick the points but will stay in second place after Berekum Chelsea beat New Edubiase United 2-1 in the tournament's opener.
Aduana starting line-up: Celestine Damtpey-14.Godfred Saka, 18. Francis Larbi, 2. Johnson Adomah, 20. Emmanuel Akuoko, 5. Gabriel Opoku Oware- 3. Samuel Asiedu, 28. Seth Opare, 24.David Gozah, 9. Akwesi Addae, 13. Daniel Darkwah.
Subs: Wahab Adams, Augustine Asiedu, Baffour Asare, Bernard Don Bortey, Emmnauel Allan, Richard Asiedu, Stephan Adams.
Heart of Lions starting line-up: Nana Bonsu-6.Prosper Avor, 4.Larry Tetteh, 21. Henry Addo, 9. Smallboy Korpah- 11. Godfred Asante, Â 12. John Nanitey, 27. Jerry Kaye, 26. Edem Nyabu- 20. Daniel Bonsu, 18. Prince Opoku
Subs: Badu Assiamah, Bright Nsiah, Emmanuel Anerfi, Sunday Afatsawu, Bless Agbeve, Agberko Dongo.