Accra Hearts of Oak marked their long-awaited return to the Accra Sports Stadium with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Medeama SC, courtesy of a stunning first-half goal from midfielder Raphael Amponsah.
The win, which comes as their first at the venue since September 2024, provided much-needed relief for under-fire coach Aboubakar Ouattara.
Amponsah’s decisive strike came from long range, breaking the deadlock in a tightly contested affair and ultimately proving enough to secure all three points. The result ends a four-match winless run for the Phobians and saw them keep a clean sheet for the first time since early March.
In-form goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, returning to club duties after his CHAN appearances for Ghana, played a pivotal role in maintaining the lead. He produced a series of key saves to keep Medeama at bay and cap off a commanding performance between the sticks.
Despite Medeama’s dominance in attacking statistics — registering 14 shots to Hearts’ seven — they were let down by poor finishing, managing just four shots on target. Their wastefulness, especially during sustained periods of possession, ultimately cost them the chance to salvage a point.
The second half turned feisty, with both teams reduced to ten men after a flurry of fouls and confrontations disrupted the game’s tempo. Yet Hearts held firm, showing grit and composure in game management — a marked improvement following their midweek loss to Nations FC.
While Hearts of Oak’s attacking frailties persist, the result lifts them back into the top four and injects momentum into their campaign. Medeama, however, slip to seventh, as inconsistency and a lack of cutting edge continue to hinder their progress.
