Hearts of Oak overtook arch-rivals Asante Kotoko to move into top spot – albeit temporarily – after securing a 1-0 win at Eleven Wonders in the opening fixture of match-day 26 of the 2020/21 Ghana Premier League (GPL) Friday afternoon.
From the opening kickoff, the visiting Phobians – in chase of a four straight win – dominated the game at the Ohene Ameyaw Park in Techiman.
Hearts continued to boss the opening 45, causing all sorts of problems for their hosts with Kwadwo Obeng Jnr and Emmanuel Nettey coming close to scoring.
The pressure eventually led to Wonders sloppily conceding in the 26th minute.
Experienced defender Mohammed Tetteh Nortey, in an attempt to chest the ball back towards Abdulai Ibrahim, saw his effort pounced on by a predating Kwadwo Obeng Jnr who swiftly slotted past the goalkeeper what became the only goal of the encounter.
Eleven Wonders thought they had won a penalty in the 40th minute when Frank Amankwaah’s shot came off the hand of Hearts centre-back Robert Addo Sowah but referee Latif Adaari, who was close to the incident, waved play on.
The second half saw Wonders coach Ignatius Osei-Fosu throwing in his attacking arsenals Samuel Boakye and Alex Asamoah but they failed to break down the resolute Samuel Boadu side who held on to win their fourth straight game since losing to Dreams at the start of May.
Captain for Eleven Wonders, Rashid Mohammed was named NASCO man-of-the-match.
The loss leaves Eleven Wonders, on 27 points, potentially dropping into the relegation zone after the weekend round of games.
Hearts of Oak, now move top of the league with 46 points, one above Asante Kotoko who host WAFA SC on Saturday.
