Accra Hearts of Oak continued their impressive off-season form with a 2-0 victory over All Blacks to clinch the Obaahemaa Abena Agyima Memorial Cup on Independence Day.
The Phobians, after a goalless first half, struck twice through striker Joseph Esso and youngster Michelle Sarpong to tame the home side at the Swedru Park.
Kim Grant started experienced Ernest Sowah in the sticks, with Christopher Bonney leading the defence which included Robert Addo, Mohammed Alhassan and Randy Ovouka. In the middle, he gave starting berths to Aminu Alhassan, Charles Mackarthy, Manaf Umar and Fatawu Mohammed, with Kofi Kordzi and Kwadwo Obeng Jnr leading the attack.
Having built some telepathic understanding following the numerous friendlies played so far, the Rainbow Boys took off with some sweet passing game.
But despite the upper hand, Grant’s charges failed to hit the back of the net, exhibiting lack of precision in the shooting.
All Blacks attacker Mohammed Musah threatened the defense of Hearts on few occasions but couldn’t go through the wall of Hearts.
After recess, Hearts maintained their momentum and continued to pile the pressure on the lower tier side following the introduction of Joseph Esso and Michelle Sarpong.
Esso opened the scoring on the 64th minute via the spot. A defender of All Blacks handled the ball in the 18-yard box and, the referee did not hesitate to point to whistle for a penalty. Esso, expected found the target sending Evans Ansah the wrong way.
Hearts pressed on for another goal to seal the game pinning the home side to their back but for their sporadic shooting.
Michelle Sarpong put the icing on the cake with a scintillating finish. The youngster run through the defence men of All Blacks rounding off Evans Ansah before slotting in the ball with just five minutes to end proceedings.
Hearts held on tightly to protect their 2-0 score, keeping clean sheet.
This becomes the second trophy the Phobians have won in the off season. They beat Dreams FC to win the NT Nortey Cup.
Line-ups:
All Blacks XI:
Evans Ansah – Enock Odoom, Ibrahim Mumuni, Smith Gyebi, Kwaku Nkansah, Clement Asiedu, Charles Appiah, Jafaru Danjumah, Ali Tanko, Richard Sosu, Mohammed Musah.
Hearts XI:
Ernest Sowah – Christopher Bonney, Robert Addo, Mohammed Alhassan, Raddy Ovouka, Aminu Alhassan, Charles Mackarthy, Manaf Umar, Fatawu Mohammed, Kofi Kordzi, Kwadwo Obeng Jnr
