Accra Lions’ perfect run in the Premier League was halted following Hearts of Oak’s 3-1 victory in the Accra derby on Thursday on Matchday seven of the Ghanaian top-flight.
A goal from former Great Olympics talisman, Gladson Awako in the first half and the second half two goals from Salifu Ibrahim and Benjamin Yorke saw Hearts of Oak cruise to their fourth victory on the bounce after a goalless draw against Karela United last weekend.
The Accra Derby between the Rainbows and the Lions was eagerly anticipated due to the good run of form of the two teams going into the game. Hearts entered the game without defeat in four games, with the Lions holding five undefeated records.
It was Accra Lions that started on the front foot with a perfect run by their strikers. They missed three great chances before the Phobians came in to snatch the lead.
The bursting restart by Matic’s side was a sign of what was to come as Hearts’ midfielder Awako shot them into the lead with a spectacular strike in the first half before he was sent off by the referee.
The Phobians second goal from Mohammed Alhassan was disallowed by the referee during the 42nd minute. In the latter part of the first half, Matić pulled off Kaaba for Glid Otanga to change his tactics following Awako’s red card.
Despite concerted Accra Lions pressure and the red card, it was the Phobians that dominated and extended the lead early in the second half through Salifu Ibrahim’s coolly converted penalty.
Accra Lions grew in confidence in the game and it took Basit Seidu to pull one back for them in the 79th minute.
However, the Rainbows stood up to score another goal in the dying embers of the game courtesy of Benjamin Yorke.
The Lions will stay in the second position with 15 points after their second defeat of the season.
The win leaves Hearts of Oak in sixth place with 12 points.
Next for Hearts of Oak Dreams FC at the same venue after the World Cup.
