Forward Joseph Esso was the hero for Accra Hearts of Oak as they beat Ebusua Dwarfs 2-1 in week 4 of the Normalization Committee Special Competition.
Hearts were in need of a response after two successive defeats, and got the perfect start when Esso pounced on a through ball from Kojo Obeng Junior to power past the Dwarfs goalkeeper for the lead.
Kim Grant’s men continued to dominate the early exchanges and went close again through Esso in the 11th minute, but his header went just wide.
Dwarfs nearly found the equalizer against the run of play in the 20th minute, but their shot hit the woodwork, much to the delight of Hearts goalkeeper Richmond Ayi.
Hearts were forced into a double substitution when after injuries to Christopher Bonney and Kojo Obeng Jnr, and they were replaced by Selasi Bakai and Robert Addo.
Esso soon grabbed his and Hearts’ second with a sensational solo effort, eluding the goalkeeper before tapping the ball into an empty net to send Hearts 2-0 up at the break.
The second half was less than impressive with chances coming few and far between.
Former Hearts player Bright Luqman pulled a goal back for Dwarfs with a well timed header from a corner.
Esso had a chance moments later to seal his hat trick, but his shot was saved by Daniel Wiredu in the Dwarfs goal.
The win takes Hearts’ tally to 6 points in the league, and maintains their 100% record at home in the competition.
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By: Daniel Koranteng|citinewsroom.com|Ghana