Gawu's brace powers Hearts to clinch Homowo Cup

Accra, Nov. 9, GNA - A second half brace by striker Eric Gawu powered Accra Hearts of Oak to clinch a sweet 3-0 victory over city rivals Great Olympics on Sunday at the El-Wak Stadium to lift this year's Homowo Cup.

Gawu who has largely underperformed since joining the Phobians from Kumasi-based King Faisal three seasons ago showed glimpses of his old self as he rose to the occasion to score twice in a spate of three minutes to add to Obed Ansah's opener.

In what could probably be the last meeting between the two sides before Olympics begin their campaign in Division One next season, the sizable fans of Olympics had anticipated an improved output of their side but it turned out rather to be the opposite. After a gallant performance in an earlier clash few months ago that ended one all, Olympics started very well but soon fizzled out. After half an hour, the Phobians took charge of the game and seven minutes on, enterprising Kofi Abanga was put through beautifully by Ansah, but the former shot into the waiting hands of Olympics goalie Ben Mensah.

Five minutes later, Ansah, broke the deadlock by slotting home after new recruit Douglas Nkrumah had laid a perfect pass on his way.

The Phobians maintained the momentum in the second half with Gawu authenticating their lead with clinical strikes in the 56th and 59th minutes to set the stadium in a frenzy. Olympics fought back in search of a consolation goal and were gifted with a perfect opportunity ten minutes from time, but substitute Ibrahim Fuseini blasted wide with only Hearts goalkeeper Joshua Akrafie to beat.

Nii Bi Ayibonte, former Member of Parliament of Odododiodio Constituency, and a member of the planning committee for the Homowo Games presented the trophy to an ecstatic Hearts captain, Hassan Mohamed.

Hearts midfield gem Kofi Abanga was voted the Most Valuable Player of the game.