Black Meteors coach Desmond Ofei has described Hearts of Oak’s 1-0 victory over Basake Holy Stars as an enjoyable game, praising the Phobians for creating most of the chances in Friday’s Ghana Premier League encounter.

Ofei watched the match at the University of Ghana Stadium as part of his monitoring of players ahead of Ghana’s U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Hearts secured all three points through Martin Karikari’s late moment of brilliance, with the attacking midfielder producing a superb volley to settle a closely contested fixture.

“An enjoyable game. I think Hearts of Oak deserved to win. Throughout the game, they created most of the chances. They were a bit unlucky with the finishing, but they scored a beautiful goal at the right time, and the fans enjoyed it,” Ofei said.

The victory extended Hearts’ winning run to three matches following earlier successes against FC Port City and Vision FC, strengthening their position in the early-season title race.

The Phobians moved to 17 points, level with league leaders Medeama but sitting second on goal difference.

Basake Holy Stars offered stern resistance, remaining organised defensively and looking to threaten on the counterattack. Hearts also came close to breaking the deadlock when Ransford Mensah’s powerful free-kick struck the post.

Karikari eventually settled the contest with a superb volley after creating space with clever footwork, giving Hearts their third consecutive league win.

Ofei is preparing the Black Meteors for their Olympic Games qualifying campaign as Ghana seek to return to the competition for the first time since 2004.