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10-man Hearts of Oak tame Lions


A spirited performance from the entire Hearts of Oak team inspired a four goal thriller out of which Hearts scored three to pick the maximum points on the day. 


Hearts of Oak opened the scoring through their inspirational captain, Gladson Awako who fired from a distance to beat goalkeeper Andrews Owusu. 


Hearts of Oak started the match with the clearest indication that they are determined to take all three points but were met with a well composed Accra Lions team who in the initial stages of the game gave Hearts a run for their money until Awako shot Hearts into the lead from outside the box. 


Awako was later sent off for reasons not too clear. Officiating by the center referee became a subject of discussion with supporters at the stadium. Accra Lions benefited from most of the referee’s wrong decisions. 


Hearts played with 10 men for over 70 minutes of the game but that numerical disadvantage never affected their play or rhythm but rather urged them to show their never say die spirit. 


Both teams went into recess with just Awako’s goal separating them. 


Coach Matic who made seven changes to his team that played his last two games had to tinker with the team and made some tactical changes by bringing in Otanga to assist the eventual MAN OF THE MATCH, Eric Esso, in midfield. 


Immediately after recess, Otanga made a run with the ball into the box of Accra Lions but was brought down by goalkeeper Andrews Owusu which resulted in a penalty. The spot kick was beautifully converted by Salifu Ibrahim to make it 2 goals in favour of the Phobians. Salifu’s goal would have been the third goal had the referee allowed a “legitimate” goal to stand.


Accra Lions varied their tactics and with a new game plan and started pressing forward which eventually yielded a positive result giving a much needed goal. This gave them a glimpse of hope but Hearts of Oak had different ideas under their sleeves and quickly responded with the third goal through substitute, Benjamin Yorke to make it 3-1 and to take the game beyond the host. 


Hearts are currently on sixth position on the Premier League table and will be hosting Dreams FC on Sunday afternoon to play the last match before the competition takes a break to make way for the Word Cup.