Hearts overcome Dreams FC…in NC League opener

Accra Hearts of Oak opened their Normalisation Committee (NC) League account with a 1-0 win over Dreams FC at the Accra Sports Stadium, yesterday.

Kwadwo Obeng Jnr scored the only goal of the game in the 48th minute to give Coach Kim Grant his first competitive win.

Dreams FC started the game the much better side as they attacked the host in search of an opener.

Hearts goalkeeper Richmond Ayi during that period was called into action on numerous occasions as the trio of Eric Gawu, Richard Addai and Godfred Kwadwo Asamoah threatened the goal area of the hosts.

But Hearts warmed themselves into the game and had the first shot on target through Kofi Kordzi but goalkeeper Isaac Amoako scored full marks with a good save.

Minutes later, it was followed by a flick header by Joseph Esso but again drew another save from goalkeeper Amoako.

On the 36th minute mark, Amoako stretched to his limit to push over the line a goal bound shot from Kordzi as the Phobians intensified the search for the first goal.

In time added on Amoako was called to duty again to stop a low grounder from Esso from entering his net.

Three minutes into the second half, Obeng Jnr weaved his way through the Dreams FC defence and planted the ball beyond Amoako for the opener.

Hearts should have gone up by two goals by the 60th minute mark but a clever tackle from defender Ibrahim Abdulai denied Obeng Jnr from scoring in a similar fashion to the first goal.

Nine minutes later Kordzi was presented with a glorious opportunity to score but with only goalkeeper Amoako at his mercy he shot wide off target.

Dreams FC were presented with a chance to equalise in the 76th minute but striker Addai with an empty post in front of him, shot over the bar.

Esso failed to make it two for the Phobians in the 80th minute when he had Amoako at his mercy.

BY RAYMOND ACKUMEY