Medeama bounce back to beat Hearts

Accra, May 29, GNA - Tarkwa-based Medeama SC came from behind to beat Accra Hearts of Oak 3-2 in their penultimate clash of the 2010/2011 Glo Premier League on Sunday at the Ohene Djan Stadium.

The result ensured Medeama completed a double over Hearts this season and ensured a further boost to their chances of finishing amongst the top four.

For Hearts, however, they will have to contend with the fact that they will finish out of the top four zone, since they will not be around to defend the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) Top Four tournament next season.

Medeama maintained their status as one of the rising forces this term as they had the better of the exchanges and deservingly scooped the maximum points at stake, to the dismay of the hosts.

After 15 minutes of play, the visitors shot into the lead through dreadlocked midfielder Emmanuel Dogbe who slid past onrushing Hearts keeper Laud Quartey after Louis Agyemang had put him through on a counter attack to beat an offside trap.

Medeama were a delight to watch as they controlled the game making the Phobians to chase their shadows with the likes of Richard Mpong, Agyemang, Dogbe and Hans Coffie drawing rings around the Hearts backline.

The Phobians managed to come into the picture and drew parity on 17 minutes through Wilson Andoh who finished off a spectacular four-man move involving Douglas Nkrumah, Moro Abubakar and Bobie Ansah.

Moro weaved his way through the Medeama defence, fetched Nkrumah and then to Ansah, whose cross was perfectly volleyed into the net by Andoh with Medeama goalie Musah Tijani completely beaten.

Seven minutes later, Hearts were up again for the first time through Nkrumah, who sent in a curling free-kick that beat a bemused Tijani to earn cheers and admiration from the fans for a well rehearsed kick.

Medeama restored parity on the stroke of half time through Kabiru Moro who capitalized on a defensive blunder by Saeed Mohammed to notch home from a goal mouth action.

Hearts resumed the second half strongly and were gifted with a fine opportunity to increase their lead in the 49th minute but captain Esme Mends blasted wide with Medeama goalie Tijani at his mercy.

The game remained a ding-dong affair till the 78th minute when Agyemang after he was put through by Mpong rounded keeper Quartey before firing into the yawning net for the third goal to silence the home fans.

Hearts kept the visitors' defence boiling but their efforts towards the equalizer yielded no dividends as they succumbed to their 13th loss of the season.