Mahatma Otoo hits brace in Sogndal's defeat at Start in Norwegian top flight

Ghana striker Mahatma Otoo bagged a brace for Sogndal but was not enough as his side slipped to a 3-2 defeat at IK Start in the Norwegian top flight.

The 22-year-old scored in the 35 th minute to cancel out Zlatko Tripic's opener for the hosts after just four minutes.

Otoo returned again to equalize for Sogndal in the 49 th minute after Rolf Daniel Vikstol had restored Start's lead seven minutes to halftime.

Manager Jonas Olsson was however left ruing his decision to take the on-fire Ghana striker off after 52 minutes – replacing him with Nigerian Edward Ofere as Sogndal lost their threat in attack to concentrate on defending.

And just when the side thought they might have done just enough to secure a priceless away point for their resolute defensive efforts, another Ghanaian Ernest Asante popped up to give Start the win six minutes from time.

Ghana striker Mahatma Otoo however showed his class by scoring both goals for Sogndal to take his tally in the league to seven.

His heroics was however not enough as Sogndal still slumped to the defeat.

The Fosshaugane side have now slipped into the relegation playoff zone with Sunday's defeat.

They desperately need to start getting results with just eight games left to end the season.