High-flying Cameroonian striker Franck Mbella Etouga scored thrice as Asante Kotoko defeated Accra Lions to increase their lead atop the Ghana Premier League Standings.

The Porcupine Warriors welcomed the league debutants to the Baba Yara Stadium in a GPL match week 17 of the ongoing season.

Kotoko entered the game on the back of a disappointing away defeat to lowly Elmina Sharks; a result that jolte their 8 match win streak.

Coach Prosper Narteh-Ogum knew he needed a magic formula to overcome Saturday’s opponent, especially considering the fact that he was without the services of the influential Mudasiru Salifu, George’s Mfegue.

He set up in a 4-3-3 formation with the attacking trio of Richmond Lamptey, Dickson Afoakwa and Franck Mbella.

Kotoko started off notably well and took the lead after just 5 minutes. Franck Mbella have his side the advantage to take him top of the league’s top scorers list.

40 minutes later, the Cameroonian had the chance to convert from the spot after the home side were awarded a penalty.

He stepped up and delivered nicely, eventually atoning for his missed spot kick in the previous game.

Shortly after, Accra Lions halved the deficit with a penalty of their own which was converted by Kelvin Kyei during added on time in the first installment of the match.

Kotoko took the slim margin advantage into the break and returned eager to add to their goal tally.

After recess, The Porcupine Warriors relentlessly pushed for another goal that came with 7 minutes of normal time to play.

Deadly sniper Franck Mbella Etouga completed his hattrick beautifully (his second of the season) to cement their at the summit of the table.

The result sees Kotoko (on 36 points) establish a 6 point lead over second-placed Bechem United with a game in hand.

Franck Mbella Etouga now has 11 goals in 12 league games for Asante Kotoko. He now leads the top scorers list with 3 goals more than second-positioned David Abagna of RTU.

Relegation-threatened Accra Lions are still stuck with 19 points after 17 games, lying 14th on the league log.

Their position could worsen depending on results from other games.

The Ghana Premier League Match Week 17 continues on Sunday.