New signing Konadu Yiadom made amends for a terrible mistake by powering home a late equaliser as Hearts of Oak held city rivals Great Olympics on match-day 2 of the 2022/23 Ghana Premier League (GPL) Sunday.
The Mantse Derby practically served the usual drama and caught the centre-back who was making his debut at the wrong end quite early.
A terrible square pass from Yiadom to goalkeeper Eric Ofori-Antwi saw Olympics striker Abdul Razak Yusif pouncing on a loose ball to give his side the lead after just 8 minutes.
As expected, the Phobians – needing to halt a four-game winless run against Olympics – went all out chasing the game but lacked a cutting edge.
The introduction of Cameroonian striker Junior Kaaba early in the second half brought some impetus to the Hearts attack but the Phobians still struggled to take their chances.
Olympics should have consolidated their lead through Samuel Ashie Quaye who twice came close but spurned the golden opportunities before the hosts fetched the leveller.
A corner-kick for Hearts and well effected by substitute Enoch Asubonteng was perfectly met by a header from his former WAFA teammate Konadu Yiadom in the 88th minute. Tied.
Hearts piled pressure on Olympics in the final minutes but the visitors succeeded in holding off for a share of the spoils.
The point gained is Hearts of Oak’s first in two games in the new campaign after losing the season opener 1-0 to Aduana FC. Olympics, meanwhile, increase their tally to 4 points.
Hearts of Oak next head to the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi for another derby against sworn rivals Asante Kotoko on Sunday, September 25.
Watch match highlights:
