Hearts tame Lions with shootout to win Gbese Mantse Homowo Cup
Accra Hearts of Oak emerged victorious in a thrilling showdown at the Accra Sports Stadium, edging past Kpando Heart of Lions 8-7 on penalties to claim the inaugural Gbese Mantse Homowo Peace Charity Cup.
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The match, which ended 1-1 after regulation time, was a captivating encounter that kept the fans on the edge of their seats.
This charity match, organised as part of the Homowo celebration and to promote peace and harmony ahead of the 2024 general election, drew an impressive crowd. The two teams battled fiercely, each determined to lift the gleaming trophy at stake.
Ceremonial kick-off
The match was kicked off by the Gbese Mantse, Nii Ayibonte II, who is also the mastermind behind this initiative. The tension was palpable as both sides laboured to find an early breakthrough.
It was the Lions who pounced first, with Kwadwo Obeng Jr, a former Hearts player, scoring against his old club just 10 minutes into the game. His clinical left-footed strike, following a well-placed corner, sailed past goalkeeper Lawrence Osei into the far right corner.
A few minutes later, Lions came close to doubling the tally when Danso ran through the right flank attacking the goal area of the Phobians but his cross found no one as the ball was cleared by Hearts defenders.
Hearts regrouped and created some scoring chances with Mawuli Wayo making attempts at goal but failing to find the back of the net as his shots either went wide or were thwarted by goalkeeper Lawrence Osei.
Lions proved their mettle as they occasionally threatened the Hearts goal area but ended up poorly as the score remained 1-0 till referee Nii Cofie Gideon whistled to end the first half Hearts returned from the recess fired up and made early incursions into their opponents' half in search of the equalising goal, raiding their opponents’ goal area countless times.
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Coach Aboubakar Ouattara’s side created a number of scoring chances in the process but Lions' goalkeeper demonstrated alertness and agility when called to duty and prevented his opponents from scoring.
Hearts gave a good account of themselves in the second half, especially with the attacks but were just not lucky to get a goal as their efforts failed to materialise.
The Phobians’ persistence finally paid off in the 88th minute as Saani Mohammed, lurking in the box, capitalised on a well-delivered free-kick from left-back Ransford Mensah to slot home the equaliser, setting the stage for a nerve-wracking finale.
In the ensuing shootout, Bismark Anim missed a crucial penalty for Lions as Hearts kept their cool and converted all their kicks through Yahaya Adramani, Mawuli Wayo, Ransford Mensah, Oppong Afrane, Raphael Amponsah, Saani Mohamed, Ahmad Ramzy Yussif and Benjamin Asare who turned hero with his winning kick to claim the Gbese Mantse Homowo Peace Charity Cup, much to the delight of their passionate supporters.