Hearts of Oak kicked off their Normalization Committee Special Competition campaign with an all important 1-0 win over Dreams FC at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Kim Grant’s men started slowly but gradually grew into the game, and went close in the 8th minute, but Aminu Alhassan’s shot was saved by Dreams FC keeper Isaac Amoako.
Hearts almost grabbed the lead midway through the first half when Robert Addo headed narrowly wide from a William Dankyi corner.
The Phobians kept knocking and again forced a save out of Amoako, this time from a Kofi Kordzi effort. The teams went into the break level, but it was Hearts who looked the more likely to break the deadlock.
Kim Grant made a change at halftime, bringing on Benjamin Afutu on for Malik Akowuah, who had a poor first half.
The substitute Afutu, was influential in the breakthrough, teeing up Kojo Obeng Jnr, who skipped past his marker and fire a shot into the bottom corner.
Afutu had a great opportunity to double his and Hearts’ tally, but missed in front of an open net after good work on the right by Kofi Kodzi.
Hearts continued their dominance and fashioned out some good goal scoring opportunities but their finishing was lacking, with Esso and Kordzi the most guilty parties.
The game ended with Hearts registering 12 shots on goal, with 8 on target.
The Phobians also edged the possession stats 52% as against Dreams FC’s 48%.
The victory was Hearts second over Dreams FC in just over a month, the first coming in a friendly game.
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By: Daniel Koranteng|citinewsroom.com|Ghana