Homowo Cup 2019: Accra Great Olympics hold Hearts of Oak to a goalless draw in first leg of Homowo Cup final
Accra Hearts of Oak were surprised with a resilient performance from their traditional rivals Great Olympics in Homowo Cup at the Accra Sports Stadium. Coming into today’s clash, Hearts of Oak looked the favorite side as little was known of their today’s opponents Olympics, but Olympics boosted of Stephen Okai who had returned from national team camp.
With first teamers Joseph Esso, Fatau Mohammed, Mohammed Alhassan and Benjamin Afutu on national duty at the WAFU tournament in Senegal, Hearts coach Kim Grants gave a start to Michelle Sarpong, Emmanuel Mintah, Dominic Eshun and Kofi Kodzi against “Rosalindas” in the final on Sunday afternoon.
Grant’s men dominated proceedings in the first half but failed to break the game’s dead lock as their attack on the afternoon lacked the cutting edge to open Olympics defense. However, Hearts of Oak could boost of some nice individual performances from their leading striker Kofi Kodzi who for most of the times run through Olympics defense without any sense of fair and inferiority. The first half ended a goalless draw.
The second half started on a slow note, but a little bit more balanced than proceedings in the first half. Hearts came into the game the stronger side again during the closing stage of the game.
They continued to push for the match winner but resilient Olympics especially keeper Stephen Odai stood between Hearts and victory. The game ended 0-0 in 90 minutes at the Accra Sports Stadium. The second leg tie comes off next week 20th October at the same venue.
