The Phobians may have left it late but there is still a chance for them to fight for the diadem as they close the gap
Hearts of Oak defeated ten-man Accra Lions 3-0 in the Accra derby of Ghana Premier League at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday.
After sharing the spoils 1-1 with Elmina Sharks last weekend, Samuel Boadu was under immense pressure to snap a win to at least keep the chase on rivals Kotoko who are currently leading the chart.
A goal in each side of the half from Afriyie Barnieh was sandwiched by Agyenim Boateng’s sublime finish as Hearts moved three places up into the Top Four.
Samuel Inkoom started the game once again after scoring his debut goal last weekend and Sully Muntari returned from his short business trip to Zambia. However, he was left on the bench as Boadu didn’t make any significant changes in his setup.
Barnieh opened the scoring by the 11th minute after tearing away from his marker to slot in from close range following a rebound from Ibrahim Salifu’s shot.
Twenty five minutes later, Lions were reduced to ten men following a red card to Abubakar Rashid for a poor challenge.
After the break, Agyenim Boateng doubled the lead by the 55th minute after he went past his marker.
Barnieh sealed the victory on the stroke of full time with a header after he met a tailor-measured cross from substitute Sulley Muntari.
Hearts, who now have 40 points, will host Dreams FC next weekend before they travel to Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park in Bechem to square it off with Bechem United.