Hearts of Oak marked their long-awaited return to the Accra Sports Stadium with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Medeama SC, as midfielder Raphael Amponsah’s stunning first-half goal made the difference.
This was the Phobians’ first game at the venue since September 2024, and the result came at a crucial time for head coach Aboubakar Ouattara, who has been under increasing pressure.
Amponsah’s strike — a thunderous effort from distance — turned out to be the decisive moment in what was a tightly contested encounter. The goal not only gave Hearts the lead but also helped them snap a four-game winless streak. More importantly, it secured their first clean sheet since early March.
Goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, returning to club duty after impressing with two clean sheets for the Black Stars, played a vital role in the win. He produced several key saves to keep Medeama at bay and maintain the narrow advantage.
Despite being the more aggressive side in attack, Medeama were left to rue their inefficiency in front of goal. They took 14 shots compared to Hearts’ seven, but only managed four on target. Their inability to convert chances ultimately cost them, even though they controlled portions of the game in terms of possession and territory.
Tensions ran high in the second half, with both teams reduced to ten men following a pair of red cards that disrupted the flow of the match. However, Hearts stood firm and showed resilience, especially after a disappointing loss to Nations FC earlier in the week.
The win pushes Hearts of Oak back into the top four, offering a much-needed morale boost as they look to regain consistency. While their forward play still leaves room for improvement, the victory was a significant step forward.
Medeama, meanwhile, dropped to seventh on the table. Their ongoing struggles in front of goal continue to hinder their progress, and despite their positive build-up play, they left Accra empty-handed once again.
