Hearts to grant fringe players playing time against Dreams FC

With the first position in Zone A secured, Hearts of Oak plan to test their fringe players in their last group game against Dreams FC in the Ghana Special Competition.

A 3-1 win over Elmina Sharks has left the Phobians four points clear at the top.

Hearts had already secured qualification to the next round going into Sunday’s penultimate matchday action following a 1-0 victory over Karela United in a top-of-the-table clash on Wednesday.

“We won the group. I’m delighted for the boys. Brilliant performance again,” head coach and director of football Kim Grant said after Sunday’s win.

“The boys are full of confidence and brave. I’m very proud of them. So that’s the first part done.

“Now the important part [the semi-final] is coming up now and so the boys are fully focused.

“Obviously, [going into] the game against Dreams FC, I will look to get some match fitness for the other boys who are trying to get into the team because it’s not been easy for them.”

Christopher Bonney (penalty), Abdul Manaf Umar and Mohammed Fatawu netted for Hearts while George Amonoo registered Sharks’ consolation goal.

At the end of the group stage, the Phobians will face the second-placed team from Zone A.

The winners of the novelty league will represent Ghana in next season’s Caf Champions League.