Hearts of Oak’s week 16 fixture got off to a slow yet purposeful start in the first half against Legon Cities at the Legon Sports Stadium on Friday evening.
The visitors looked the better side in the first 45 minutes, creating numerous chances yet failing to spot the weak point of Hearts of Oak goalkeeper, Benjamin Asare. The Phobians however made some brilliant incursions as well when Hamza Issah was teed off from Theophilus Collinson but his final delivery into Legon Cities goal area was fluffed by an onrushing Kwabena Boateng on the 16th minute.
Legon Cities had a fine chance to go ahead on the 23rd minute but a free kick just outside the goal area was poorly connected by Joseph Amoah, allowing Hearts of Oak to clear their lines swiftly. The home side pinned the Phobians into their own half once again however a thunderbolt by Kamal Suraj was parried over the bar for Cities corner kick.
Hearts of Oak turned up in the 25th minute for a another goal scoring chance with Theophilus Collinson’s free kick which Hamza Issah missed narrowly in Legon Cities penalty area much to the relief of the visitors.
Hearts of Oak from a good midfield build up shot themselves into the lead when Ramzy Yussif slalomed his way past a chain of Legon Cities defenders to plant the ball on the 44th minute mark.
The solitary strike separated the two clubs moving into the half time after two minutes of added time was exhausted.
The second half resumed with Legon Cities replicating the first half show of dominating the Phobians in midfield and the wing play.
Legon Cities kept pushing more men forward, controlling the game but they still struggled to find the equalizer.
Hearts of Oak were plunged into a deep trouble when right back, Emmanuel Amankwa received a second yellow card on the 81st minute.
Hearts of Oak resorted to sitting back and catching Legon Cities on the break with the visitors still looking for goals but failing to find answers after full time.
The millennium champions will now move temporarily into second on 28 points from 16 games with the remaining fixtures to be cleared on Saturday and Sunday.
Video: Hearts of Oak 1-0 Legon Cities highlights (Credit: Sahara Football Xtra)
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