Olympics hold Hearts in Homowo Cup thriller

Accra, Aug. 17, GNA - Accra Great Olympics played out a barren draw with city rivals, Hearts of Oak in their Homowo Cup match on Sunday at the Ohene Djan Stadium, Accra.

The match, organized by the Gbese Mantse, Nii Ayibonte II as part of activities to mark this year's Homowo Festival of the people of Ga Mashie will be replayed at a later date.

The match saw Olympics dominating much of the proceedings but lacked the experience to convert the scoring chances that came their way to ensure a re-play was arranged to decide the winner at a later date. Hearts who ended the game with ten men after central defender Daniel Coleman was given the marching off orders in the 86th minute appeared ordinary with a line-up of old members that had Hassan Mohammed, Kofi Abanga, Obed Ansah and Raphael Obeng in attendance.

Olympics who went on relegation at the end of last soccer season surprisingly displayed a spirited performance to the admiration of the fans with many of them wondering why they failed to survive the premiership.

After a disappointing first half characterised by midfield action, both teams effected changes for the second session.

It was the introduction of Francis Mantey, Michael Ocansey and Tahal Yusif for Abdul Bilal, Zakari Ahmed and Collins Mensah respectively for Olympics that proved positive as they launched several raids into the Hearts half lack lacked bite up front.

Borketey Bortey twice in the 65th and 82nd minutes was put through but the striker on both occasions blasted wide to the relief of the Phobians.

Olympics' lead striker Tanko Mohammed proved a hot customer for the Hearts defence and became a victim of rough play from the duo of Hassan and Coleman as they found him too hot to handle throughout the duration of the game.

As the game was coasting to an end and with only four minutes to time Coleman was shown the red card for what the referee saw as a vicious tackle on Mohammed but the 'Wonder club lads failed to capitalize on their numerical advantage to carry the day until proceedings was brought to an end by referee Thomas Nunoo. In attendance were some Ga Chiefs and members of Ga Traditional Council and their large followings.