Samuel Inkoom’s first half goal was the difference as Bibiani Goldstars lost to a solitary 1-0 defeat in the hands of champions Hearts Of Oak at the Accra sports stadium yesterday after a commanding effort from the Miners.
Coach Michael Osei made four changes to the line up that defeated King Faisal with the return of Charles Kamara, Farouk Adams, ex-Kotoko defender Evans Owusu and Prince Opoku Agyemang.
Hearts had a difficult few days, with several of their first team players hospitalized due to unknown illnesses but coach Samuel Boadu managed to arrange a strong team for the fixture. However, the Phobians could only assembled 5 players on the bench.
The champions started on the front foot as they looked poised to win the match at home against a side who has a poor record away but a formidable home record.
on the 11th minute of the game Hearts were awarded a controversial penalty which the away team rightly protested. Benjamin Yorke was adjudged to have brought down by Farouk Adams after the attacker received a trademark pass from Sulley Muntari. Samuel Inkoom stepped up and dispatched it perfectly to put Hearts in-front.
The Phobians grew in confidence after the goal and tormented the defence of the visitors in an attempt to increase the tally but a 25th minute Muntari pass to Yorke was saved by GoldStars’ goalkeeper Yaw Ansah.
Goldstars nearly responded before the break when striker Kwabena Owusu came close but managed to only find the side net.
Before that Charles Kamara had a good opening but the attacker was let down by his first touch.
The Miners started the second half strongly but still failed to snatch the equalizer with Emmanuel Appau, Prince Opoku Agyemang and Frank Amankwah rising up to the occasion.
Prince Opoku Agyemang came close on two occasions after the break but goalkeeper Richard Attah was up to the task as he pulled two brilliant saves to deny the striker.
The results place Goldstars 12th on the league log with 6 points away from relegation as they host Real Tamale United at home. Hearts moved third after the win.
