Posted by Accra Hearts of Oak welcomed Ebusua Dwarfs to the Accra Sports Stadium in a game which was a must win game for both clubs. Both Hearts of Oak and Dwarfs came into this game without even a point.
The Phobians started the game brightly. Midfielder Benjamin Afutu in the 3rd minute came close to opening the scoring. His header from a short corner kick was saved by goalkeeper Razak Issah.
Kofi Kordzi after a good work on the left flanks combined well with Joseph Esso, but Joseph Esso’s effort wasn’t strong enough to trouble the goalkeeper as he parried the ball away.
A well worked ball from the Hearts midfield was laid for Manaf Umar, but his curling shot couldn’t find left top corner of the post. It only found the gloves of the goalkeeper.
Dwarfs in the 21st minute had their first shot on target after a confusion between Mohammed Alhassan and goalkeeper Richard Attah. The Hearts goalkeeper recovered beautifully to save the shot from Martin Tsiboah.
Accra Hearts of Oak in the 27th minute had the chance to score from a freekick after Kofi Kordzi was brought down at the edge of the box. Joseph Esso converted the freekick beautifully. 1-0 to Hearts of Oak.
Obeng Jnr who was quiet for the first 30 minutes of the came into action. He made a beautiful run on the left flank, but his side footed shot struck the post.
Dwarfs from then controlled the game, but failed to create any good chance. Referee Abdul L. Qudir brought the first half of the game to an end after 3 minutes of time added on.
The visited started the second half brightly and came close to leveling matters in the 51st minute after Ismeal Antwi’s low effort was saved by goalkeeper Richard Arthur.
Hearts came close to making it 2 in the 53rd minute. A long ball from Kofi Kordzi was beautifully controlled by Obeng Jnr, a skill Berbatov would be proud of, but his effort was saved by the goalkeeper Razak Issah. Joseph Esso was quick to react to the loose ball, but his effort was saved by the goalkeeper yet again.
Hearts of Oak made it 2nil in the 56th minute. Kofi Kordzi curled in beautiful freekick just close to the 18 yard box. 2-0 to Hearts of Oak.
Dwarfs pulled one back in the 70th minute after an error in the Hearts defense. Albert Ato Hammond slotted the ball pass the onrushing Richard Attah. 2-1 to Hearts of Oak
Hearts of Oak made their second sub of the game. Dominic Eshun came on for new signing Fred Ansah, but the substitution didn’t go down well with the fans as they started the howl.
That wasn’t all, Hearts of Oak came close to making it 3 in the 89th minute, substitute Dominic Eshun’s effort was saved by goalkeeper.
Referee added 4 minutes but there was little action, he brought proceedings to an end. Hearts of Oak have recorded their first win of the season after 3 attempts. Ebusua Dwarfs on the other hand have suffered their 3rd defeat of the season. Joseph Esso was adjudged man of the match.
Hearts of Oak will travel to Sogakope to face dreams on Wednesday, whiles Dwarfs will welcome Liberty Professionals at the Cape Coast Stadium.
RESULTS FROM OTHER PREMIER LEAGUE GAMES
Liberty Professionals 1-1 Medeama
Aduana 2-1 King Faisal
Kotoko 0-1 Berekum Chelsea
Ashanti Gold SC 2-0 Wonders
Bechem United 1-0 Olympics
Dreams FC 0-0 Legon Cities
Elmina Sharks 0-0 WAFA SC
Karela Utd 2-1 Inter Allies