GPL Review: Superb Sewornu strike secures vital win for Hearts at Bibiani

Accra Hearts of Oak injected life back into their Ghana Premier League campaign following a crucial win against GoldStars at Bibiani.

James Sewornu struck a sweet first half volley to give his side the precious 3 points and get their season back on track.

The Phobians traveled to the Dun’s Park for this all-important match week 12 fixture on Saturday keen to bounce back from their disappointing result at home to Bechem United last weekend.

Coach Samuel Boadu whose side hasn’t started the season as expected was under mounting pressure to deliver with reports even saying he’s been handed a 2-match ultimatum to save his job.

The former Medeama gaffer made some changes to his starting eleven for the game opting for a defensive midfield double pivot of Caleb Amankwah and Ushau Abu.

James Sewornu was handed an unfamiliar role at right back, slotting in for the absent Fatawu Mohammed while Afriyie Barnieh and Kwadwo Obeng Junior were tasked with leading he attack. The other members in the starting team were Benjamin Yorke, Robert Addo Sowah, Mohammed Alhassan and Richmond Ayi.

The game started with the home side, Bibiani GoldStars mounting serious assaults at Hearts of Oak’s defense.

No matter the storm, the Phobians stood their grounds and held the hosts back to keep the score line intact.

After holding on for quite some time, Hearts of Oak started to move further up the pitch where they created some decent openings.

It was from one of those instances that they fetched the game’s only goal.

It happened on the half hour mark when after a brilliant individual work in the GoldStars penalty box, Afriyie Barnieh laid the ball off to a waiting James Sewornu who punched at the opportunity with no delay.

The defender unleashed a sweet volley which rifled straight into the bottom left corner leaving the hosts defence stunned.

Hearts held on to the lead in the first half and did same after recess despite several GoldStars ogeemsive actions.

Tried as they did, the home side could find no way past the resolute Hearts defense with central defenders Addo Sowah and Mo Alhassan excelling at the back.

Hearts held on firmly as the game grinded to a permanent halt with the match Referee blowing his whistle to indicate full time.

The result, a much needed one for Hearts of Oak sees them increase their total accumulated points to 17 with 2 games in hand. The Phobians also move up the ladder to the 7th position although this is subject to change depending on how other matches go.

GoldStars will be left licking their wounds as they suffer back to back defeats in the league. This sees them stuck on 13 points and occupying the 11th position.

The Ghana Premier League Match Week 12 continues on Sunday.