ENERGETIC Hearts of Oak beat Nsoatreman FC to climb to third on the league table

Accra Hearts of Oak secured a vital three points against Nsoatreman FC in the BetPawa Premier League courtesy of Philip Ofori’s own goal and Amankwah Baafi’s strike.

Coach David Ocloo had some key players he couldn’t call upon for Sunday’s clash. He left out the likes of Caleb Amankwah, Gladson Awako, Yassan Ouatching, Richmond Ayi and Richard Attah but the team he put was one more than capable of dispatching Nsoatreman FC.

The Rainbows had a bright start. The pressure they mounted on the visitors helped them to break the deadlock during the 15th minute via Philip Ofori’s own goal.

Hearts went on to gain a foothold in the contest but were unable to extend the lead before the break in spite of their best efforts.

The game remained finely poised in the second half until Amankwah Baafi netted to double the lead for his side in the 66th minute. The defender scored after receiving a fine pass from stylish midfielder, Linda Mtange in the box of the visitors.

Their advantage was put under threat when Samuel Ofori pulled one back for the away side from the spot just two minutes later, but David Ocloo’s side managed to cling on for a crucial win on home soil.

Nsoatreman FC ended the game with ten players following Ransford Frimpong Asokwah’s red card. He was sent off for walking back onto the pitch without permission from any of the match officials.

Hearts of Oak have moved straight from the fifth position into third position with 42 points, five points behind leaders Aduana Stars.

The visitors have dropped to the relegation, currently rank 16th and are in serious danger of returning to the Division One League after just one season in the Ghanaian top flight.

Hearts travel to play Bechem United on week 27, while Nsoatreman will look to end their poor run of form when they host King Faisal at home.