Posted by Dreams welcomed Accra Hearts of Oak to the Theater of Dreams. The home side were hoping to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat to Ebusua Dwarfs. The Phobians didn’t have any different objective, they were also hoping to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat to arch rivals Asante Kotoko.
The Phobians started the game brightly. The first chance of the game fell to Benjamin Afutu from a Fred Ansah freekick, his header lacked direction and couldn’t trouble Sarkodie. The header was off target.
Dreams had the chance to break the deadlock in the 8th minute. Emmanuel Ocran neatly controlled a ball from the edge of the box, but his effort lacked power and was comfortable gathered by Richard Atta.
After a foul on Kofi Kordzi in the 12th minute just close to the corner flag. Esso tried an audacious attempt, his powerful right footed shot struck the upright. An escape for Dreams.
Hearts continued to push forward. After a good work down the left flank by Raddy Ovouka, he sent in a good cross which was met by Daniel Afriyie, but his effort was wide.
The Phobians continued to dominate possession, winning most of the 50-50 balls and passing the ball around beautifully.
The Phobians from a corner nearly broke the deadlock in the 36th minute. The corner from Fred Ansah only met the head of a Dreams player and nearly resulted in an own goal. Sarkodie pulled off an exquisite save to prevent the ball from hitting the net.
Minutes later, the Phobians had a sniff at goal again. A freekick from Esso at the edge of the box nearly found the top corner of the post.
With the game scoreless and almost time for the referee to bring the first half to an end. Esso made a decent run into the box and struck a powerful shot which hit the crossbar, second time unlucky.
The referee brought the first half to an end. 0-0.
Dreams started the second half way better than they played entirely in the first half. Emmanuel Ocran danced his way through the Hearts Defense, but was brought down just close to the 18 yard box. The resulting freekick from Emmanuel Ocran struck the human wall.
Accra Hearts of Oak broke the deadlock in the 55th minute. After a string of decent passes at the edge of the Dreams 18 yard box, kofi Kordzi turned nicely and hit a low shot into the bottom of the net. Sarkodie had no chance. 1-0 to Hearts of Oak.
The Hearts defense went to slumber and Dreams nearly provided an instant reply. Ibrahim Issah’s effort struck the inside of the post. The ball was finally cleared away by the Hearts defense.
Raddy Ovouka in the 62nd minute made a good run on the left flank, but his effort just flashed the post.
Most of the game from then was played in the middle of the pitch, with both sides fighting for every 50-50 ball with the last breath in their bodies .
Coach Karim Zito brought on Eric Gawu for Prince Okaku in the 75th minute hoping to turn things around.
Kofi Kordzi had the chance to make it 2 in the 84th minute, but his shot in the box was over the bar.
Dreams continued to push on as they search for the equalizer, Eric Gawu went down in the box, but the referee waved played on.
With few minutes left to end proceedings, Richard Atta was shown a yellow card for time wasting.
The referee whistled for full time after 3 minute of time added on. Hearts of Oak were 1-0 winners. Joseph Esso was named man of the match.
Hearts of Oak will welcome Ashanti Gold to Accra on Thursday whiles Dreams will Travel to Dansoman to face Liberty Professionals on Wednesday.
Kofi Kordzi’s strike in the 55th minute to separate the two sides.
OTHER FULL TIME RESULTS
Aduana Stars 1-0 Medeama SC
Bechem Utd 2-1 Berekum Chelsea
Asante Kotoko 1-1 Liberty
Dreams FC 0-1 Hearts of Oak
Olympics 0-1 WAFA SC
AshantiGold SC 1-0 Ebusua Dwarfs