Coach Ouattara finally wins first silverware at Hearts of Oak
Accra Hearts of Oak clinched the bragging rights and their first silverware under Ivorian coach Aboubakar Ouattara, after a dramatic comeback to defeat Kpando Heart of Lions 8-7 on penalties in the Gbese Mantse Homowo Peace Charity match at the Accra Sports Stadium.
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The Phobians were made to sweat for this victory, conceding an early goal but showing remarkable resilience to level the score in the second half, setting the stage for a gripping encounter.
The match, which ended 1-1 after 90 minutes, was decided by a nerve-racking lottery of penalties.
This triumph was a welcome relief for Coach Ouattara and his squad, especially after the heartache of losing the Democracy Cup to their bitter rivals, Asante Kotoko, last month.
Having narrowly escaped relegation on the final day of the 2023-24 season, this win also serves as a vital confidence boost as the Ivorian tactician prepares his team for the upcoming 2024/25 Ghana Premier League season.
The charity match, organised as part of the Homowo festival celebrations, aimed to promote peace and harmony ahead of the 2024 general elections, drawing an impressive crowd eager to witness the fierce battle for the gleaming trophy.
The event was kicked off by the Gbese Mantse, Nii Ayi-Bonte II.
The tension was palpable from the outset, with both sides striving for an early breakthrough. It was the Lions who struck first, with Kwadwo Obeng Jr, a former Hearts of Oak player, haunting his old club by scoring just 10 minutes into the game.
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His clinical left-footed strike, following a well-placed corner, sailed past goalkeeper Benjamin Asare into the far right corner.
Minutes later, Lions nearly doubled their tally when Danso broke through on the right flank, attacking the Phobians' goal area.
However, his cross found no takers as the Hearts defence scrambled to clear the danger.
Hearts regrouped and began creating their own chances, with Mawuli Wayo trying his luck at goal. But his efforts either went wide or were thwarted by Lions' goalkeeper Lawrence Osei
Lions continued to pose a threat, occasionally testing the Hearts defence, but were unable to capitalise, leaving the score at 1-0 as referee Nii Cofie Gideon blew for half-time.
Second Half
Hearts came out for the second half with renewed vigour, launching early attacks in search of an equaliser. Coach Ouattara's side piled on the pressure, creating numerous chances, but the Lions' goalkeeper remained resolute, making crucial saves to keep his team ahead.
Despite their dominance in the second half, Hearts seemed destined for defeat until the 88th minute when Saani Mohammed, lurking in the box, capitalised on a perfectly delivered free-kick from left-back Ransford Mensah to slot home the equaliser. This late goal sent the match to a thrilling climax.
In the ensuing penalty shootout, it was Hearts who held their nerve. Lions' Bismark Anim missed a crucial spot-kick, while the Phobians coolly converted all their penalties through Yahaya Adramani, Mawuli Wayo, Ransford Mensah, Oppong Afrane, Raphael Amponsah, Saani Mohammed, Ahmad Ramzy Yussif, and Benjamin Asare. Asare turned hero with his winning kick, sealing the victory and the Gbese Mantse Homowo Peace Charity Cup, much to the delight of their passionate supporters.