GhanaFA

Lions fail African campaign

15 years ago
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Heart of Lions have failed to reach the first round qualifying stage of the African Champions League after exiting in the preliminary stage.

Down by a 0-2 scoreline against Etoile Filante in the first leg a fortnight ago, last season’s runners-up fell short of the result they much needed to advance as they struggled to manage a 3-2 win at the Ohene Djan Stadium on Sunday.

Despite the win, Lions, who were making their continental debut, ended their hopes of advancing after a 3-4 aggregate loss.

Lions set the tone for profligacy as early as the 10th minute when they missed a penalty to end the first half goalless.

Back from the break, the second half produced all five goals on the day as Etoile opened the scoring first in the 56th minute through Georges Bonou.

Stephen Owusu drew Lions level in the 60th minute but the Burkinabe side again went in front through Eric Soulama on 63 minutes.

Hans Coffie got the equaliser for Lions five minutes later before Stephen Owusu finally put the home side in the lead for the time on the afternoon in 78th minute.

But Lions came up short with 12 minutes to go as they needed two goals to qualify.