Hearts pip Nations to return to winning ways

Accra Hearts of Oak returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Nations F.C. in the Ghana Premier League on Saturday.

A 76th-minute header from Hamza Issah proved decisive, sealing all three points for the Phobians in a tightly contested encounter.

Hearts head coach Didi Dramani made two changes to his starting line-up, handing starts to Frank Duku and Gordon Cudjoe in place of Martin Karikari and Ali Mohammed. Nations F.C., on the other hand, were without key players Emmanuel Annor and Razak Simpson, who are currently on national duty with the Black Stars B.

The absence of the duo was evident early on, as Hearts dominated possession and controlled proceedings in the opening 20 minutes. Despite their early superiority, the Phobians struggled to create clear-cut chances, with Abdul Karim’s speculative long-range effort after 15 minutes the closest they came.

Nations F.C. gradually grew into the game after the early pressure but were equally blunt in attack, managing only a long-range attempt from Mac-Williams Boateng just before half-time.

Hearts showed greater urgency after the break following tactical changes by Dramani, who introduced George Paaku and Mawuli Wayo for Frank Duku and Ransford Mensah. The substitutions injected tempo and purpose into Hearts’ play, although the Nations defence initially held firm.

The breakthrough finally came in the 76th minute when Hamza Issah rose highest to head home a well-weighted delivery from substitute George Paaku.

Five minutes later, Paaku nearly turned provider again with a brilliant pass that found Hussein Mohammed and Issah, but a lack of communication between the pair saw them collide, allowing Nations defenders to clear Issah’s goal-bound effort off the line.

That moment briefly sparked Nations into action, but their uncoordinated play prevented a sustained response, as Hearts held on to secure a crucial victory.

The win marks consecutive home victories for Hearts since relocating to the University of Ghana Stadium and represents only their third home win of the season. The Phobians now sit third on the league table with 24 points, three behind leaders Aduana Stars, whom they face next.