Hearts returned to winning ways after trashing travelers Berekum Chelsea 3-1 at the Legon Stadium on Friday Night in an entertaining encounter marking the opener for the round of 14 fixtures of the Ghana Premier League.
The Phobians had gone two games without a win having drew 1-1 against Nsoatreman FC and a painful 1-0 defeat to rivals Asante Kotoko in the Super Clash last Sunday.
Coach Ouattarra effected changes in his starting XI from the previous game handing a season’s debut to goalkeeper Sharif Shuaib in place of Benjamin Asare who is on national assignment with the Black Galaxies for the 2025CHAN Playoff qualifying game against Nigeria on Sunday.
Combative midfielder Salim Adams was given rest from the last outing againt Kotoko whiles Ahmed Ramzy Yusif returned to the starting lineup after missing a couple of games due to injury and Emmanuel Amankwah was dropped for Ransford Yeboah.
Ramzy Yussif taps in a Hussein Mohammed pass in the box in the 16th minute to open the scoring for Hearts and that was enough for the first 45 minutes.
The second half produced a thrilling exchanges, end to end action and creation of scoring chances from both sides. Centre forward Hamza Issah doubled Hearts lead five minutes after recess following a finesse from Hussein Mohammed to increase his goal tally this campaign to four.
The Bibires pulled one back thanks to Emmanuel Sarpong’s towering header in the 61st minute from a well taken freekick just a few metres from the edge of the box in Hearta’s half.
Kwabena Boateng put the icing on the cake for the Rainbow boys through Hamza Issah’s sweet assist.
The last time Hearts of Oak scored at least three goals in a home game was on April 13,2024 against Karela United.
Defensive defender Theophilus Collision was voted Nasco Man of The Match – A masterclass on the night for the lad.
Aboubakar Ouattara, Hearts of Oak head coach after the win: “We have a dream and when it becomes a reality we will take it”
Hearts of Oak now move up the ladder to 5th with 22 points and will end 2024 with an another evening encounter with Accra Lions on the eve of Boxing Day.
