Mahatna Otoo
Accra Hearts of Oak yesterday ended their three-week winless streak, recording a 3-2 win over RTU but not on a silver platter.
Playing without sacked head coach CK Akunnor, an early goal scoring opportunity came the Phobians’ way but Moro Ibrahim failed to convert the spot kick.
Four minutes after failing to put the home side in front, Mahatma Otoo made amends by placing the ball beyond the reach of goalkeeper John Adjatey.
RTU, who appeared more tactically sound in all departments, came close to cancelling the slender lead but goalkeeper Tetteh Lugard denied the visitors the equalizer.
RTU thereafter confined Hearts to their own half and in one of their runs, Salim Sakara cancelled the lead with a well struck free kick three minutes before recess.
The Mohammed Gargo men capitalized on a goalkeeping error in the 56th minute to increase the tally to two, but the introduction of repentant Laryea Kingston, who partnered well with Edward Affum in the second half paid off.
One of their surges resulted in RTU’s rear failing to contain Affum, who was fouled in the box for a penalty, which Iddrisu Moro converted brilliantly.
Hearts’ quest to win to restore their lost confidence saw former Tema Youth forward Affum grabbing the match winner to send their fans into a frenzied mood in the latter stages of the game.
The win, the first under coach Ben Adjei, has certainly drawn the battle lines for their epic clash against their perennial rivals, Kotoko on November 18 in Kumasi.
By Kofi Owusu Aduonum