Accra Hearts of Oak claimed a narrow win over Kotoku Royals in the BetPawa Premier League week five fixture at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Afriyie Barnieh’s first-half penalty was enough to see the Rainbows overcome the home side 1-0, a result that ensures Slavko Matić’s side to move to the 5th place of the league table, one point above their rivals, Asante Kotoko.
The only goal of the game came after 30th minutes when Barnieh was fouled in the box by the defender of the hosts. The 21-year-old prolific attacker stepped up and confidently converted to hand the Phobians the much needed win.
Kotoku Royals improved following the restart but it was Hearts of Oak who looked favourite with Afriyie Barnieh going close to a second.
The Blues fought hard and mounted pressure on the Phobians but thanks to their defenders who worked hard to maintain the scoreline.
The hosts had no reply, and Hearts got the job done to secure their second win of the season courtesy of Afriyie Barnieh.
He scored twice from the spot two weeks ago in Maputo against Mozambique during the U-23 AFCON qualifiers and also scored one against them in Kumasi last weekend.
Hearts of Oak will on week six host Karela United at the Accra Sports Stadium while Kotoku Royals play guest to struggling King Faisal at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
They rank fourteenth on the league table with 4 points.
