2024/25 GPL: Hearts dispatch relegated Legon Cities – Nsemkeka
Accra Hearts of Oak dispatched relegated Legon Cities with a 2-0 win at the University of Ghana Stadium on Sunday.
With Cities relegated and Hearts of Oak’s title ambitions over, Sunday’s fixture was expected to be a bore but it was anything but.
The game’s first opening came after just six minutes when Kwesi Asmah picked out Kwabena Boateng, but the forward’s finish missed just wide.
Nine minutes later, the Phobians went close again when the industrious Asmah was brought down on the edge of the area. But Hussein Mohammed’s cross from the free kick was wasted.
Before long, however, the Phobians made amends when Kwabena Boateng rose highest to head home Raphael Amponsah’s corner in the 20th minute.
The goal seemed to jolt Legon Cities into action but their lack of intensity proved to be their ondoing.
Unsurprisingly, frustration set in when Takyi Alabah was shown a yellow card for fouling Kwesi Asmah in the 28th minute.
On the half hour mark, Legon Cities Frank Akoto made a desperate interception to stop Hussein Mohammed’s goal-bound cross.
Just before half-time, Cities went forward through Kwesi Gyesi but his effort from distance was well gathered by Hearts keeper, Sharif Shuaib.
After the interval, Cities started with more verve as Gyesi and Albert Yeboah moved the ball with more urgency and precision. However, their influence was limited by the lack of intensity from the rest of the team.
Three minutes into the second half, Cities were punished again when Michael Awuah Mensah pounced on a loose ball to slot home the second.
What followed was an exercise in containment as Hearts protected their lead while Cities did their best to limit the damage.
Hearts of Oak remain in 5th place for the third consecutive week despite the win.
The Phobians will end the season with a home match against Samartex 1996 while Cities host Dreams F.C. on the final day of the season.