Hearts win in Accra

Accra Hearts of Oak yesterday put up an uninspiring performance but managed to beat Berekum Chelsea 3-2 to jump to the fourth position on the league log in their league encounter at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Thomas Abbey saw his opener in the 66th minute cancelled by Chelsea’s Kofi Owusu before Emmanuel Hayford restored the lead as Robin Gnagne’s penalty goal  provided a crucial cushion  before Owusu again pulled one back in the 85th minute.

After a nervy start with Hearts unable to break through the defensive wall of Chelsea built around the central defensive duo of Nicholas Opoku and Bennett Ofori. Thomas Abbey managed to send the first warning signal when his shot rolled just across the face of goal in the 13th minute.

The home supporters were growing impatient and urged their players on but poor finishing and the strong hands of Chelsea goalkeeper Gideon Ahenkora denied the hosts the opener.

Back from recess, Coach Edward Ansah made some tactical changes and introduced Hayford for Kwame Kizito which slightly changed the game in their favour, and in the 66th minute Abbey broke the deadlock after he latched onto the ball and fired from the box for the opener.

Chelsea’s resilience paid off seven minutes later when an unmarked Owusu fired from close range for the equaliser.  But Hayford restored the lead for Hearts in the 82nd minute when he sent a low shot from the box to beat goalkeeper Ahenkora before Gnagne scored to increase the tally but Owusu later pulled one back.