Accra Hearts of Oak continued their preparations for the Normalization Committee’s Special Competition with a narrow 3-2 win over Heart of Lions in a friendly Saturday morning.
The game, which was played at the team’s training grounds at Pobinan, saw defender Christopher Bonney open the scoring in the 37th minute. However, Lions responded in two minutes with the equalizer by Sam Agbenega.
The first half ended even. Striker Anthony Quayson restored The Phobians’ lead before Kofi Kordzi netted the third goal but Sule Musah reduced the deficit for the visitors.
Kim Grant made changes to the team that thrashed Hasaacas 4-0 last weekend. Goalkeeper Ben Mensah got the nod ahead of Sowah, with Sewornu and Addo at central defence. The gaffer also played youngsters Selassie Bakai and Manaf Urmar alongside Kofi Kordzi upfront.
Hearts dominated early stages of the game with experienced midfielder Malik Akowuah controlling the midfield action.
But Lions came into the game posing danger with some swift counterattacks.
Hearts grabbed the first goal of the game through Christopher Bonney. The right-back scored from a direct free-kick from the back of the 18-yard box.
The lead did not keep long as Lions snatched the equalizer through Agbenega from a counterattack.
Quayson then restored the lead scoring from an acute angle after a nice run on the flanks.
Kordzi put the game beyond Lions with a third goal through a rebound.
Sule Musah however scored in the 90th minute through another counterattack but was not enough for Lions as they lost 3-2.
Hearts take another lower-tier side Pacific FC on Sunday.
Hearts of Oak XI:
Ben Mensah – Christopher Bonney,James Sewornu, Robert Addo, Raddy Ovouka, Malik Akowuah, Benjamin Afutu, Anthony Quayson, Selassie Bakai, Manaf Umar, Kofi Kordzi
Watch highlights below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gn8ArXSynD4
By Daniel Osei
