Hearts of Oak’s three-match winning run came to an end as Premier League debutants Debibi United claimed a narrow 1-0 victory at Debibi Presby Park.
Sarkodie Demetrous scored the only goal of the game in the 51st minute, giving the home side three valuable points and lifting them out of the relegation zone.
The result was a setback for the Phobians, who had been aiming to extend their winning sequence but instead slipped to third in the league standings.
Hearts began positively and nearly took the lead in the eighth minute. Kader collected a pass from Hussein, beat his marker and struck towards goal, but the Debibi goalkeeper made an excellent save to turn the effort behind for a corner.
Debibi threatened at the other end five minutes later, yet Hearts goalkeeper Benjamin Asare produced an outstanding intervention to deny the hosts what appeared to be a certain goal.
The visitors continued to look for an opening, with Kader prominent in their attacking play. He created another opportunity in the 33rd minute by releasing Emmanuel Amankwah, whose cross into the penalty area was successfully dealt with by the Debibi defence.
Hearts were forced into a change immediately after half-time when Martin Karikari came on for Kader in the 46th minute.
Debibi took advantage shortly afterwards. Five minutes after the restart, Demetrous broke the deadlock with a strike in the 51st minute to put the hosts ahead.
Hearts manager responded with a double substitution in the 57th minute, sending on Raphael Amponsah and Duku for Karim and Hussein as the Phobians searched for an equaliser.
Debibi came close to adding a second in the 60th minute after a ball was lifted over the Hearts defence, but Asare again reacted in time to preserve the visitors’ hopes.
Hearts continued to press, and Asmah set up Baafi in the 68th minute. The Debibi goalkeeper, however, intervened once more to prevent the threat from developing.
Felix Otoboa replaced Emmanuel Amankwah in the 76th minute as Hearts made another attacking adjustment.
The visitors increased the pressure in the closing stages. Duku attempted to pick out Antwi with a delivery in the 81st minute, but the Debibi defence held firm.
Hearts were unable to find a way through during the five minutes of additional time, allowing Debibi United to hold on for a memorable victory.
The win moves Debibi United clear of the relegation zone, while Hearts of Oak’s three-match winning streak comes to an end.
