Accra Lions 0-3 Hearts of Oak: Afriyie Barnieh grabs double, Agyenim Boateng scores a solo as Phobians return winning ways in Ghana Premier League
Hearts of Oak have returned to winning ways in the Ghana Premier League after defeating city rivals Accra Lions 3-0 at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday afternoon.
Two goals from Afriyie Barnieh each in each half and Isaac Agyenim Boateng’s solo strike inside the second half were enough handing the Phobians that convincing 3-0 performance.
The defending champions had gone two straight games without a win to hamper their battle for a top four finish. They beat Accra Lions to reclaim the fourth position with 40 points now, a point above Great Olympics who have a game in hand against Ash Gold on Sunday afternoon.
Samuel Boadu named a strong side with the likes of Gladson Awako, Mohammed Alhassan, Frederick Ansah Botchway, Afriyie Barnieh, Kwadwo Obeng Junior starting. Former Black Stars right-back Samuel Inkoom got his second start since scoring in his debut game against Elmina Sharks last weekend.
Inkoom start saw Hearts captains Fatawu Mohammed dropped to the bench a second time in a row while there was a positive news for the Phobians after Sulley Muntari was named at the bench after missing some games within thr month.
Despite their strong starting XI, and like before the kick-off, Hearts knew Accra Lions will match them in terms of keeping the ball on the pitch. And that reflected right from start of the whistle throughout to the end of the first half. Although Hearts were a little bit above of their opponents but were closely contested.
Hearts showed their superiority after Kwadwo Obeng Junior, Salifu Ibrahim and Afriyie Barnieh combined to give the visitors an early lead. Obeng junior released Salifu Ibrahim inside the box before turning his marker to the right and shot with his weaker foot which Accra Lions keeper Appiah Kubi saved but Barnieh was there to score from the rebound.
After a nice challenge from Ansah Botchway to win Hearts possession in deep midfield, Boadu’s men nearly doubled their lead some minutes later after Suraj Seidu found Kwadwo Obeng Junior behind the box; the center forward went in for a replacement at the top left corner but Kubi stretched his muscles to parried to corner.
The hosts were later reduced to 10-ment after Abdul Rashid Abubakar launch a career threatening tackle on Kwadwo Obeng Junior in later parts of the first half. Obeng Junior was replaced by Isaac Agyenim Boateng who doubled the lead early of the second half.
The former Medeam SC man was nicely played through on goal by Suraj Seidu, Agyenim Boateng kept heats cool before firing low past Kubi on the 55’ minute. Many part of the great work was done by Suraj who turned 360 in the center before playing Agyenim through two Hearts central defenders. The assistant later made way for experienced Sulley Muntari who entered with new confidence as Hearts became finer in possession.
The finer aspect was accompanied with increased in moment but lack of cutting edge saw Barnieh and Awako failed to find the third of the afternoon. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Accra Lions managed play their game but with few clear chances created.
Hearts nearly made it 3-0 after Afriyie Barnieh sent in a long range shot that hit the chest of Appiah Kubi; Agyenim Boateng reacted but Kubi was there to save the situation as the ball fell to Barnieh who fired another rebound but his strike was headed for corner kick. Moments later, Barnieh flicked on Mohammed Alhassan’s long ball into the box but Appiah Kubi dived to provide a sweet touch to it for another corner as the hosts deny Hearts of Oak the third goal in last-minute pressure.
But how long would they do that with the likes of Barnieh, Salim Adams and Sulley Muntari pushing for extension of the 2-0 lead. Hearts finally found the breakthrough for the third goal with Barnieh grabbing his second of the day after rising above the Lions defense to head home Muntari’s corner delivery in stoppage time.
Hearts of Oak will face Dreams FC in their next fixture while Accra Lions travel to face Real Tamale United in Tamale.
