Mawuli Wayo came off the bench to deliver a sensational performance, scoring twice in the final ten minutes to lead Hearts of Oak to a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over Accra Lions at the WAFA Park in Sogakope.
The Phobians had initially taken the lead in the first half through Mohammed Hussein, but Accra Lions overturned the deficit after goals from Lucky Nwafor and Ezekiel Alladoh gave them a second-half advantage.
The game began with both sides showing intent, as Tetteh Narh nearly gave the hosts an early lead after connecting with a cross from Edmund Amakye. Hearts responded with a promising effort when Saani Mohammed’s cross found Ahmed Ramzy, whose header posed a threat. Kwabena Boateng then tested Accra Lions’ goalkeeper Daniel Afful with a strike from the edge of the box during an intense back-and-forth opening period.
Nine minutes before halftime, Hearts of Oak broke the deadlock. Saani Mohammed delivered a precise cross from the right, allowing an unmarked Mohammed Hussein to slot home, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead heading into the break.
Accra Lions returned with renewed determination and quickly equalized. Amakye’s relentless pressing forced a turnover, allowing Lucky Nwafor to power his way into the box and finish confidently.
Moments later, coach Ibrahim Tanko introduced Blessing Dankwa and Ezekiel Alladoh to bolster his side. The substitutions paid off in the 73rd minute when Accra Lions capitalized on a midfield tussle. Tetteh Narh broke free, rounded the Hearts goalkeeper, and set up Alladoh to tap in, giving the hosts a 2-1 lead.
In response, Hearts coach Aboubakar Ouattara introduced Mawuli Wayo with 15 minutes remaining. The former King Faisal forward made an immediate impact, scoring just five minutes after his introduction with a powerful strike from distance that beat Afful.
Two minutes later, Wayo completed the comeback in style. He dispossessed Lions defender Issah Mohammed and cleverly lobbed the ball over Afful to secure the dramatic 3-2 victory for Hearts of Oak.
Wayo’s heroics cemented his status as the star of the match, as the Phobians celebrated a remarkable turnaround in Sogakope.
