Razak secures point for Hearts

The stocky striker, Patrick Razak, scored an image-redeeming equaliser for Accra Hearts of Oak to draw 1-1 with Bechem United at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi yesterday in what appeared to be a prototype for Sunday's epic match against Kotoko at the same venue.

A sloppy goalkeeping by Theophilus Jackson gifted a fourth-minute goal to Bechem United which nearly painted a gloomy picture ahead of their match against Kotoko.

It took a time added on strike by substitute Razak who rounded up goalkeeper Adu to rekindle their hopes on Sunday.

The Phobians lacked the cutting edge despite their dominance in both halves of the match as the Bechem side defended well to hold on to the temporary lead.

Hafiz Konkoni Wontah tapped in a loose ball after goalkeeper Jackson failed to make a onetime save from a long drive from the right flanks.

Hearts responded in a similar fashion but Joseph Esso struggled to scramble the ball into the net as he battled with goalkeeper Ernest Adu in a 'turf war' in the eighth minute which failed to yield the needed results.

Hearts were consistent in attack yet lacked ideas upfront as the angry fans called for the heads of the management team ahead of their game against Kotoko on Sunday.

From then on, Bechem played to what appeared to be a well-rehearsed pattern, defending well and attacked intermittently.

Apparently content with the initial lone goal, the Bechem team abandoned their once attacking flair and recoiled to defend the solitary lead.

And despite playing away from home, the Bechem side received one of their biggest support from arguably Kotoko fans and some known Kumasi journalists who applauded the Bechem team in each step of the way.

Bechem goalkeeper Adu was immaculate in keeping the posts safe, thwarting a number of goal bound shots to the chagrin of the few Hearts supporters.

Their performance was greeted with thunderous applauds as though Kotoko were playing at their favourite Baba Yara Stadium raising hopes of a likely massacre of the Phobians at the same venue on Sunday.

And when it appeared over for Hearts, Razak popped up to fetch the all-important equaliser to placate their fans.

The Hearts- Bechem match was moved to the Baba Yara Stadium Kumasi to allow for a live television coverage.