By Simon Asare
Accra, Jan. 3, GNA – Accra Hearts of Oak recorded a third consecutive win in the ongoing Ghana Premier League after defeating Legon Cities 1-0 at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium on Friday.
Ahmed Ramzy Yussif’s first-half strike was enough to secure all three points for the Phobians, who moved up to second place on the league log with 28 points, just two points behind leaders Heart of Lions.
It was a fifth consecutive loss for the Legon Cities side, who remain bottom of the league table with relegation stirring them deeply ahead of the second round.
Hearts of Oak coach Aboubakar Ouattara virtually kept the same team that won against Accra Lions last week, with goalkeeper Benjamin Asare returning to the starting lineup after a brief break.
The Phobians were heavy favourites going into their match against Legon Cities, despite having yet to win on the road.
Accra Hearts of Oak started the game quite well, creating numerous opportunities but unable to convert them.
Legon Cities, on the other hand, never got into top gear as they were limited to shooting from long range, which was either blocked or flew wide.
The Phobians dominance was rewarded right on the brink of halftime when Yussif scored a beautiful goal to give his side the lead.
Both teams played some excellent football in the second half, but there were no obvious opportunities produced.
Yaw Acheampong, who was in the technical area for the first time for Legon Cities, was eager to pull parity, having made some few changes.
Hearts of Oak right-back Emmanuel Amankwah was sent off for a second bookable offence late in the second, but Legon Cities couldn’t capitalise on the one-man advantage.
Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare did make some good saves later in the game and it indeed proved crucial for his side as they secured all three points to keep them in contention for the league title race, which looks very keen.
GNA