Hearts of Oak and Benjamin Asare were the central figures as the Phobians edged past Hohoe United with a narrow 1-0 victory in the Ghana Premier League on Saturday, marking the goalkeeper’s return to competitive action.
The second-round opener was played at Hohoe, where both teams approached the first half cautiously, producing few clear chances despite strong support from the home fans. Benjamin Asare was restored between the posts for Hearts of Oak for the first time since November, following changes made by head coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani.
Hohoe United showed early intent when Lawson Bekui broke through in the 13th minute but fired his effort over the bar. Hearts of Oak responded later in the half through Hamza Issah, whose acrobatic attempt inside the box failed to trouble goalkeeper Kwaku Musah.
After the break, Hohoe United took control of proceedings with quick attacking movements, piling pressure on the visitors. However, Hearts of Oak remained solid at the back, with Asare making key interventions to keep the score level.
Substitute Mawuli Wayo missed a clear chance for Hearts of Oak before Hohoe United suffered a setback, losing both central defenders, Solomon Adomako and Paul Kwame, to injury late in the game. The home side came close to scoring through Sena Ati, but Asare produced a crucial save to deny them.
Relief finally came for Hearts of Oak in the closing moments when Mawuli Wayo found the net, sealing all three points. The victory lifts the Phobians to third place on the league table with 31 points after 18 matches, while Hohoe United remain bottom with 18 points from the same number of games.
