A goal in each half of the game by the experienced striker was enough to deny the Phobians an enviable start to the Premier League season under Nii Odoom
Hearts of Oak shared the spoils 2-2 with Ashanti Gold in matchday two of Ghana Premier League at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday.
Following series of bizarre events that characterised their kick off to the new season, especially after many first team players were tested positive of Coronavirus disease, head coach Edward Nii Odoom finally had the opportunity to prove his mettle with a tactically designed football but things didn’t work as planned.
The Phobians missed some half chances in the opening minutes of the game after struggling to contain Ashanti Gold.
Hearts finally found their breakthrough by the half-hour mark. Kwame Obeng Jnr connected a pass and calmly sent his effort into the net for the opener.
The striker could’ve doubled Hearts’ advantage by the 43rd minute after he was played through from the midfield but he failed to put the ball beyond goalkeeper Robert Dabou.
AshantiGold had their best chance of the half when Hans Kwoffie came one-on-one with Hearts goalkeeper Richard Attah but the Miners’ forward couldn’t lob his effort past the onrushing goalkeeper.
After the break, AshantiGold doubled their efforts in search of the leveller. It finally paid off by the 60th minute when Yaw Arnol set up Kwoffie to score the equaliser
By the 65th minute, Hearts came under pressure to search of the winner as coach Edward Odoom made his first substitution of the season. He brought on Mitchelle Sarpong for Fred Ansah Botchway, while Afutu made way for Mamane Lawli five minutes later as Odoom threw caution to the wind.
The substitution paid off as Kwame Obeng Jnr meet a wonderful assist by Patrick Razak to score what looked like the match-winning goal on the 80th minute.
However, Ashanti Gold had other ideas as they broke the home side’s hearts with a late equaliser through Hans Kwoffie. The striker has now scored three goals after two games.
Hearts, after seeing their matchday one fixture against Aduana Stars postponed due to Coronavirus disease, have one point and a game in hand.
They will play city rivals Inter Allies next weekend at the Accra Sports Stadium.