Accra Hearts of Oak responded to last week’s defeat by Debibi United with a commanding 3-0 victory over Heart of Lions in the Ghana Premier League on Sunday.
The hosts needed only two minutes to take the lead. John Antwi’s initial effort was kept out by Heart of Lions goalkeeper Prince Asempah, but left-back Ransford Mensah reacted quickly to drive the rebound into the net.
Heart of Lions almost produced an immediate reply when William Oduro’s free-kick took two deflections and appeared to be heading towards goal. Hearts goalkeeper Benjamin Asare adjusted well before diving to his left to make the save.
Hearts doubled their advantage 20 minutes later with a cleverly worked free-kick. Heart of Lions had formed a defensive line nearly 30 yards from goal, expecting either a delivery into the area or a direct attempt.
Instead, Mensah played a short pass to Abdul Karim, who picked out the unmarked Martin Karikari inside the box. Karikari’s shot lacked power, but Antwi followed up to stab the rebound past Asempah and make it 2-0.
The result highlighted the gap between the two sides in front of goal. Heart of Lions had scored only 10 goals in their previous nine matches, and their lack of attacking threat was again evident at the University of Ghana Stadium.
They had one of their best opportunities three minutes before half-time when Stephen Afoakwa collected a loose ball and drove into space on the right. His effort, however, struck the crossbar.
That chance was costly against a Hearts defence which had conceded just three goals in 10 matches this season. Heart of Lions were unable to make the opportunity count and were punished soon after the restart.
Antwi completed the scoring within three minutes of the second half, finishing a well-constructed team move from close range.
Osei Djan carried the ball into the Heart of Lions half before releasing Yaw Amankwah Baafi. His first-time pass found Hussein Mohammed, who then supplied Antwi after a skilful swivel and turn.
The striker kept his composure from three yards to complete his second goal of the match and seal a convincing victory for Hearts of Oak.
The win moves Hearts into second place with 20 points, one behind league leaders Medeama S.C.
For Heart of Lions, the defeat leaves them just above the relegation zone on goal difference. They have collected 11 points from 10 matches.
