Hearts beat Bechem United 6-1
Accra Hearts of Oak recorded their third successive win in the ongoing Ghana Premier League after beating Bechem United 6-1 in a match-day seven encounter played at the Accra Sports Stadium on Saturday.
It was an emphatic victory for the Phobians as they handed Bechem United their first defeat of the season and moved into second position on the league with 11 points.
Hearts were the better side at the start of the encounter and could have broken the deadlock on the 8th minute mark but Daniel Afriyie Barnieh failed to convert from close range after Daddy Ovouka’s cross found him unmarked in the penalty box.
The pressure from the Phobians was relentless in opening minutes of the first half having looked more dangerous in attack.
Bechem United had a penalty appeal waived by Referee Abdul Latif after striker Charles Mensah was brought down by Hearts defender Robert Addo.
The clearest chance of the half fell for Hearts striker Daniel Afriyie who after being put through on goal by Abdul Manaf Umar shockingly missed to the despair of head coach Costa Papic.
Bechem United were reduced to 10-men in the late stages of the first half after left back Emmanuel Attanyamaa Asante received his marching orders after exchanging words with Referee Abdul Latif Qadir.
The first half ended with no goals.
Hearts started the second half on the front foot as they looked to capitalize on their man advantage.
They did capitalize after Umar Manaf broke the deadlock for the Phobians in the 54th minute when he pounced on a loose ball in the goal area after some good work from substitute Frederick Ansah Botchway on the flanks.
Hearts were in cruise control of the game playing some beautiful football and creating numerous opportunities but Bechem United goalkeeper Prince Asempa did pull up some brilliant saves.
Bechem United couldn’t withstand the pressure from the Phobians as striker Victor Aidoo scored the cushion goal for the Phobians with a calm strike in the 70th minute.
Aidoo did score his second on day in the 80th minute when he tapped into an empty net after some good work from Frederick Ansah who dribbled past three players to set up the eventual finish.
Frederick Ansah Botchway did grab the fourth goal for Hearts from the penalty spot in 82nd minute after Afriyie Barnieh was brought down by Bechem United goalkeeper Prince Asempa.
Prince Adu Kwabena scored for Bechem United in the late stages of the game with superbly taken strike which could only serve as a consolation.
Midfelder Lawali Mamane scored the fifth goal when he tapped in from close range while substitute Benjamin Afutu added the sixth goal as Hearts recorded an emphatic victory.
Source: GNA