<<Print>>An inconceivable relegation threat which recently confronted Kumasi Asante Kotoko, eased significantly yesterday after the defending Premiership champions defeated relegation-bound Brong Ahafo United 4-2 at the Baba Yara Stadium to jump to the Top 4 zone on the league log with two matches to end the season. But troubled Accra Hearts of Oak sank further down the relegation zone after a scoreless draw with Medeama at Tarkwa.
The result saw Hearts dropping to the 15th position on the league log.
For Kotoko fans, it was a rare goal fest as skipper Amos Frimpong opened the floodgates with a powerful aerial header in the 17th minute, while Obed Owusu increased the lead eight minutes later with an unusual left-footed goal in what looked like a practice match in the first half.
The visiting side (United) hardly threatened the rejuvenated Kotoko team, who played in a very relaxed atmosphere, even through they were given a scare after recess as the Sunyani-based side scored twice in succession.
In the 10th minute, United striker Mustapha Mohamned, fluffed a golden opportunity which could have changed the pattern of play, but he fired off target with only goalkeeper Joseph Addo to beat.
The lanky Mohammed fumbled again in the 42 nd minute when he had a chance to reduce the deficit, albeit against the run of play.
Even though Kotoko had the match under control, they took their foot of the accelerator and allowed Abdul Karim Jabla reduce the tally in the 61st minute before Wahab Abdul silenced the home crowd with the equaliser in the 75th minute.
However, Kotoko restored the order with two quick goals in the 79th and 83rd minutes through substitute Richard Mpong.
At the Accra Stadium, it was relief for fans, players and officials of Accra Great Olympics whose fight against relegation was boosted by a 2-0 win over West Africa Football Association (WAFA) in an emotionally charged encounter.
Veteran midfielder Godwin Attram played a real captain�s game by scoring two classic goals, the first a beautifully curled free-kick in the 50th minute followed 30 minutes later by a brilliant individual effort to secure the maximum three points for his side who moved up to the 11th position on the log, writes Kwame Larweh.
However, Attram missed a chance to make it a hat-trick after missing a controversial penalty kick awarded by referee Seidu Bomison, as the ball sailed over the bar.
The controversial penalty and the expulsion of WAFA midfielder Amankwah Caleb for a violent tackle on Olympics winger Joshua Oninku in the 84th and 86th minutes respectively raised eyebrows over the fairness of referee Bomison, as it led to protests by the visiting side and resulted in a three-minute hold-up until calm was restored.
� At the Kpando Park, title contenders, Aduana Stars lost further grounds on leaders Ashantigold after losing to Heart of Lions through an 18th minute spot kick by Prince Acquah.
Ashantigold stretched their lead to four points last Saturday, holding Berekum Chelsea to a 2-2 draw at the Golden City Park.
*New Edubiase United edged closer to safety after coming from a goal down to beat Hasaacas 2-1 at the Len Clay Stadium at Obuasi.