Hearts show class over second division side, Zaytuna

Accra, Sept. 8, GNA - Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club seem to have discovered their scoring boots when they walloped Division One side, Zaytuna FC 5-2 in a friendly match at the Accra Sports Stadium. The victory rekindled the hopes of their vociferous fans as the team who for the past weeks recorded some unimpressive results leading to their exit from two competitions on the local scene in recent times made amends this time round.

The Phobians were however given an early scare by the Division One side when they opened the scores in the third minute through Ernest Kyere who capitalized on a defensive mix up in the Hearts territory to fire past keeper Eben Dida Armah.

Sensing danger, Hearts quickly re-organised themselves and managed to get the equaliser from the foot of Louis Agyeman seven minutes later. Agyeman initiated a solo move after picking the ball from the heart of the pitch and wove his way through the Zaytuna defence before delivering a toe-chip shot for the equalizer.

Hearts from the equalier probed for more goals by raiding the goal area of their opponents incessantly and they were rewarded with a penalty when Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour in another solo move, was brought down in the vital area for referee Osam Quaye to point to the penalty spot which this was converted by Bernard Don Bortey in the 16th minute. Zaytuna pulled a surprised equalizer three minute later from an in -swinger from Patrick Affutu.

Don Bortey who for the past months had been battling with his form this around showed signs of recovery and brilliance throughout the match.

He was on hand to provide a perfect pass to Prince Tagoe to easily tap in the ball for the third goal whilst Osei Kuffour in the 24th minute also latched on a well-laid pass from Tagoe to make it four for his side.

The Phobians never looked back from this moment and maintained their constant pressure on their opponents with a well rehearsed strategy which saw them dominating in midfield and attack but with a little porous defence which Zaytuna however failed to capitalize on. As the game was heading to the end of the first half, Tagoe a member of the National Under-21 team, the Black Satellites capitalised on another defensive blunder by the Zaytuna defence to deliver a thunder bolt shot to score the fifth goal which eventually became the last goal of the day.

The second half failed to produce any more goals even with the introduction of the likes of Eddy Copson and Ablade Morgan for the Phobians even though they kept the Zaytuna boys under severe pressure. 08 Sept. 04