Accra Hearts of Oak strengthened their early-season title ambitions with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over visiting Basake Holy Stars at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon over the weekend.

The Phobians were chasing an enviable third successive league win and had to wait until the 82nd minute for substitute Martin Karikari to settle the contest with a sublime strike.

With fans turning up in their numbers to cheer the team on under the floodlights, Hearts started strongly, dictating the pace of the game and creating goal scoring opportunities, although they struggled to convert them.

A goal line clearance on the 7^th minute denied Henry Kwaku Boateng the opener for Hearts.

In the 19th minute, Basake had the upright to thank as it came to their rescue, denying Ransford Mensah’s free-kick from finding the back of the net.

Basake quickly turned defense into attack, but an effort from Bismark Teye was dealt with by Hearts goalkeeper, Benjamin Asare, while defender Kelvin Osei Asibey was on hand to clear a goal-bound effort with a header.

John Antwi then teed up his strike partner, Mamadou Kader Kourouma, but the latter’s close-range effort hit the side netting in the 39th minute.

After the break, Hearts introduced Prince Amevor, Kwesi Asmah and Karikari, whose presence lifted the team’s performance as the Phobians piled more pressure on Basake, who defended resolutely.

Yaw Anmankwaa Baafi had a glorious chance to open the scoring in the 61st minute but fired wide.

With eight minutes remaining, Asmah’s through ball from midfield found Karikari in the box. The substitute dribbled past three defenders before unleashing a half-volley beyond Basake goalkeeper, Razak Rooney Baffoe, to give Hearts the lead.

The Phobians pushed for more goals, but their efforts proved unsuccessful as they settled for a narrow victory.

Hearts of Oak centre-back, Kelvin Osei Asibey, capped an evening of fine performances by claiming his third consecutive NASCO Man of the Match award, helping his side maintain their strong start to the league campaign.

Hearts of Oak will next travel to Debibi Presby Park to face newly promoted Debibi United, while Basake Holy Stars will return to the AAK II Sports Arena at Ampain, Nzema, to take on Dreams FC on Matchday 9.

BY RAYMOND ACKUMEY

SKIP THE QUEUE, TAP THE NEWS

Read the Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers from the comfort of your device via TimesNewsPlus.

Follow our WhatsApp Channel now! https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAjG7g3gvWajUAEX12Q