Accra Hearts of Oak breathed new life into their Ghana Premier League campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over struggling Basake Holy Stars at the AAK Sports Arena on Sunday.
The win marked the Phobians’ first triumph in three matches and their inaugural success against the newly promoted side, avenging a shock 1-0 defeat in Accra on the opening day of last season and a goalless draw in the reverse fixture.
The encounter began cautiously, with both teams probing for openings in a tightly contested first half. Holy Stars, desperate to end their winless run, pressed high but struggled to create clear-cut chances against a resolute Hearts defense.
The breakthrough came just before the interval in the 43rd minute when the Phobians were awarded a penalty following a foul in the box.
Midfielder Frank Abora Duku stepped up confidently, slotting the spot-kick past the Holy Stars goalkeeper to send the traveling Hearts supporters into raptures and give his side a 1-0 lead at halftime.
Hearts carried their momentum into the second period, doubling their advantage in the 59th minute.
Striker Hamza Issah, who has been in scintillating form this season, latched onto a precise through-ball, evaded his marker with a clever turn, and unleashed a powerful low drive into the bottom corner.
The goal not only highlighted Issah’s clinical finishing but also underscored his growing importance to the team, as he continues to deliver in crucial moments.
Basake Holy Stars refused to capitulate and mounted a spirited comeback. Their efforts were rewarded in the 68th minute when they earned a penalty of their own after a defensive lapse by Hearts.
Club captain Issah Yakubu assumed responsibility, calmly dispatching the kick to halve the deficit to 2-1 and ignite hopes of a late equalizer. The final 20 minutes saw intense pressure from the home side, with waves of attacks testing Hearts’ backline.
Goalkeeper Benjamin Asare was called into action on multiple occasions, pulling off key saves to preserve the lead, while the Phobians’ defenders threw bodies on the line to repel set-pieces and crosses.
Despite the late onslaught, Hearts managed the game astutely, clinging on for a vital three points that boosted morale ahead of a blockbuster fixture.
The victory propels the Accra giants into the top half of the league standings, providing a timely lift after a patchy start to the season.
For Basake Holy Stars, the defeat extends their dismal run, leaving them anchored at the bottom of the table without a win in eight outings and piling pressure on coach and players alike.
Hearts of Oak will now turn their attention to the highly anticipated Super Clash against arch-rivals Asante Kotoko, scheduled for Sunday at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The Phobians will aim to build on this result and carry their renewed confidence into Ghanaian football’s fiercest derby.