Hearts of Oak shot themselves closer to the 2022/23 Ghana Premier League title with a slim victory over Nsoatreman FC at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Coach David Ocloo’s side managed to secure a 2-1 home win over ten-man Nsoatreman FC to keep their title winning hopes alive in the match-week 26 fixture on Sunday night.
The Phobians enjoyed majority of the early minutes of the game with an intense pressure on the back line of the visitors to concede within the quarters of the game.
Nsoatreman FC defender Philip Ofori gave Hearts of Oak the lead after connecting a free-kick effected by Linda Mtange into his own net on the 15th minute of the game.
Hearts of Oak came close once again to double their lead through Albert Dieudonne Eonde on the 18th minute but his effort was fisted out by goalkeeper Daniel Afadzwu.
Afadzwu nearly gifted the home side the second goal on the 23rd minute after struggling with Dieudonne Eonde’s shot, a rebound fell for Amankwah Baafi but he shot it wide.
Nsoatreman FC were resolute at the back to tame the upfront of Hearts of Oak from causing any havoc in the remaining minutes of the first half. It ended in a 1-0 lead for Hearts of Oak in the first 45 minutes.
In the second half, Hearts of Oak continued their impressive performance as displayed in the second half with the hopes of extending their lead.
Nsoatreman FC gaffer made a tactical substitution with the introduction of Samuel Ofori and Amos Yeboah as replacement for Yakubu Mohammed and Baba Mahama.
Hearts of Oak striker Albert Dieudonne Eonde was also substituted for Kwadwo Obeng Junior due to an injury he picked up in the first half.
A counter attack initiated by Linda Mtange and Amankwah Baafi aided the Phobians to extend their lead on the 65th minute of the game.
Baafi brilliantly slotted home the second goal for Hearts of Oak via a pass delivered by the Congolese midfielder before the visitors reduced the deficit two minutes later.
Substitute Samuel Ofori snatched the consolation goal with a cool finish on the 67th minute of the game.
It was drama at the Accra Sports Stadium after a penalty awarded to Nsoatreman FC on the 70th minute by the referee was rescinded five minutes later when he consulted his colleagues on the lines.
Nsoatreman FC ended the game with ten men when Ransford Frimpong Asokwah picked up second yellow card on the 83rd minute.
Hearts of Oak held on with the 2-1 lead to move up to third place on the 2022/23 Ghana Premier League table with 42 points while Nsoatreman FC sits above the drop zone with 31 points after twenty-six games.
