A 42nd minute headed goal from Kwadwo Obeng Junior handed Accra Hearts of Oak a narrow 1-0 win over city rivals Liberty Professionals 1-0 yesterday in the week five game of the Normalisation Committee Special Cup at the Dansoman Carl Reindhorf Park.
Obeng Jnr broke the deadlock after finishing off a well taken corner kick from a former Liberty Professionals defender William Denkyi.
It was Hearts’ third win of the competition as they got off in a spirited fashion as they kept the host goal area boiling.
Goalkeeper Dida Fatao Alhassan in post for Liberty was the busier of the two goalkeepers as he was called to duty on numerous occasions to save his side.
A heroic save on the 18th minute mark from Mohammed drew thunderous applause from the sparse crowd that watched the game.
Liberty had their turn but Frederick Botchway fluffed the glorious opportunity that came his way with only goalkeeper Richmond Ayi at his mercy.
Michael Enu made a timely clearance on the line to keep Liberty in the game in the 24th minute while Hearts goalkeeper also pulled a magnificent save from winger Michael Amapadu.
Just when it appeared the first half was ending on a barren note, Obeng Jnr outjumped his markers to nod home from a corner kick.
Liberty fought gamely to restore their home pride but met a very stiff opposition.
At Obuasi, AshantiGold SC claimed a hard fought 1-0 victory over Medeama SC in their match day five clash.
Amos Addai’s early strike separated the two teams at the end of the day.
The visitors made one change in their lineup as Justice Blay replaced Jasper Nimo Nartey.
The Miners made a couple of changes in their set up with Yussif Mubarik, Roland Amouzou and Amos Addai came in place of Eric Donkor, Emmanuel Nti Mensah and Amos Kofi Nkrumah.
The hosts made sure they unsettle the guests with their dominance as Addai rounded off goalkeeper Eric Ofori Antwi to put them ahead in the 16th minute.
BY RAYMOND ACKUMEY
