Accra Hearts of Oak performed gutsy to beat Medeama S.C. by two goals to nil at the newly constructed T & A Park in the Ghana Premier League.

Make-shift right-back Emmanuel Amankwaah and new-signing Mawuli Wayo scored the decisive goals for the Phobians on Friday night.

Hearts coach Aboubakar Ouattara made two changes to last Sunday's team. Ahmed Ramzy was replaced by Salim Adams in central midfield, while Yaw Baafi Amankwaah, who deputized at right-back last time out, was replaced by Emmanuel Amankwaah.

Amankwaah was pushed to back to make way for the returning Ransford Mensah.

Outtara's opponent, Nebojsa Kapoor, retained the same starting line-up from the 2-2 draw with Aduana Stars.

Medeama's line for the match:

Apart from a Theophilus Collinson header which was smartly turned over the bar after eleven minutes, there was not much to discuss in the opening half hour. The trend continued until half-time.

Back from recess, Medeama took the game to the visitors, attacking down the left side.
Tried as they did, Hearts kept Abdul Fatawu Sulemana and Kofi Babil in check through a mix of sheer grit and determination.

Ten minutes after the restart, however, Sulemana managed to find his target inside the penalty area, but Collinson quickly closed down David Boison before he could cause any problems.

Five minutes later, Diawusie Taylor combined with Babil to isolate Collinson, but the striker failed to pull the trigger before Kelvin Osei-Asibey intervened.

Hearts had their moments too but Saani Mohammed, on two occasions, and Hussein Mohammed, both failed with their final deliveries.

Five minutes after the hour mark, Hearts took the lead when Hamza Issa slid in behind Nurudeen Abdulai to slip the ball past Appiah Kubi. His goal-bound shot was poked him by Kwabena Boateng for the opener.

Hamza Issah puts it on a silver platter for Kwabena Boateng to tap in the opener for Hearts of Oak against Medeama. 73’ 0-1.#JoySports pic.twitter.com/4nWYa0aLbu

— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) November 1, 2024

The goal lifted the noise levels in the spanking new stadium, as thousands of Hearts fans chanted the famous Hearts anthem in response to Hamza's industry.

With an advantage to protect, Hearts retreated into a low block and closed down the channels to deny Medeama hope of restoration.

Led by the human wall that is Osei-Asibey, Hearts repelled everything Medeama threw at them.

Mawuli Wayo has endured a frustrating start to life as a Hearts of Oak player. But all that was forgotten when he, like Hamza for the first goal, slipped between the center backs to pounce on a long ball from Benjamin Asare, before heading it past Appiah Kubi.

Again, just like the Phobian's first goal, even though his effort was goal-bound, Wayo chased the ball to head it into the net, to erase all doubts.

Mawuli Wayo doubles the lead for Hearts of Oak.

90’ Medeama 0-2 Hearts of Oak #JoySports pic.twitter.com/4SrOxJZijv

— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) November 1, 2024

If the decibel levels were loud for the first goal, this time, it lifted the roof of the stadium, as Hearts fans cheered in delight.

When the noise settled, Medeama had eight minutes to save face but could not make much of it.

Friday night's win takes Hearts of Oak to seventh position on the log, with 12 points, from nine matches.

The result also leaves Medeama in third place with 15 points, ahead of the weekend's fixtures.