Ghana Premier League – Hearts of Oak narrowly beat Legon Cities to move to second place

Accra Hearts of Oak needed all three points at all costs to put pressure on leaders Heart of Lions, awesome Asante Kotoko, the brilliant Bibiani Gold Stars and Bechem United. These clubs have proven to be the main contenders for the title thus far after terrific performances lately.

The fixture against Legon Cities looked like a walk in the park on paper, but it had always posed a huge threat when you recall Phobia’s inability to take all three points when they faced Nsoatreman at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium in round 12. The Nsoatre-based club had lost all away games when facing the red-hot Hearts of Oak but the game ended 1-1.

This was the same challenge that was lying ahead on Friday night.

Legon Cities had lost all last four games when facing Hearts of Oak away from home.

The coach-less Leon Cities dominated almost all the sectors of the game before going down to Ramzy Yusif’s 45th-minute solo strike. He picked the ball right on the edge of the Royals’ 18-yard box, and physically zoomed past three Legon Cities players in the box before firing home the opener to calm nerves down for the rising Hearts of Oak fans.

Hearts of Oak’s only shot in the first half proved to be the winner. Legon Cities was the best side of the two throughout the game.

They enjoyed 62% possession and had three shots on goal, although zero on target only in the first half.

The second half was so horrible from Ouattara’s side after they failed to have a single shot in the entire 45 minutes.

Legon Cities dominated the second half again but due to lack of killer instincts failed to snatch a point against Phobia.

Hearts of Oak’s lack of identity calls for concern albeit they are doing the most important thing- winning games. The last two victories have been all smash-and-grab wins. Aboubakar Ouattara’s charges have failed to stamp their authorities in games recently but are showing an impeccable winning mentality after winning three consecutive games since the painful defeat in Oseikrom against Asante Kotoko.

Phonia now sits second at the table, as no one can remember the last time the club enjoyed such a high position.

Legon Cities remains rooted at the bottom of the table and is in huge trouble in the battle to survive.