Accra Hearts of Oak booked for yet another MTN FA Cup final ticket as they came from behind to beat Dreams FC 3-2 in the semi final at the Accra Sports stadium on Saturday.
Striker Daniel Afriyie Barnieh gave Hearts of Oak a deserved lead right from the break after Benjamin Yorke (10th minute) had cancelled Sylvester Simba’s opener for Dreams FC in the 4th minute.
The Still Believe lads started the game very well and got rewarded as Sylvester Simba capitalized on a blunder in the Hearts of Oak goal area to slot home. The lead lasted for only 6th minute as Benjamin Yorke tapped in a rebound after Afriyie Barnieh’s initial strike.
Dreams FC were reduced to 10 men after Issah Ibrahim was given the marching orders following a reckless tackle on Hearts of Oak skipper Mohammed Alhassan.
Accra Hearts of Oak extended their lead in the 67th minute through Suraj Seidu – the winger got on the end of an attempted clearance to beat substitute goalkeeper Solomon Agbesi – to make it 3-1.
Striker Kweku Karikari reduced the deficit for Dreams FC in the 79th minute but the former Liberty Professionals attacker turned villain as he failed to utilize the numerous chances that came his way after scoring Dreams FC’s second goal. to bring the Still Believe lads back into the game.
Karikari was presented a good chance to score the equalizer but he blasted wide from inside the box after going round Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Richmond Ayi.
Despite being down with 10 men – Dreams FC created more chances in search of the equalizer but Hearts of Oak held on to win 3-2 in front of their teaming fans.
The 11-time Champions are on course to defend their title as they await the winner of the other semifinal match between 2015/16 MTN FA Cup winners Bechem United and two-time League champions Aduana FC on Sunday.
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