betPawa GPL: Hearts edge Nsoatreman as Aduana return to the top with a win over Great Olympics
Accra Hearts of Oak recorded a 1-0 victory over debutants Nsoatreman on Tuesday as part of Matchday fixtures of the 2022-23 betPawa Premier League.
The former League champions went into the game on the back of three wins, two draws in their last five Premier League outings and needed the points to close the gap at the top of the log. Hearts of Oak Slavko Matic named his side without five key players who are in the camp of the Black Galaxies in readiness for the CHAN tournament in Algeria.
The team was without Gladson Awako, Seidu Suraj, Dennis Korsah, Konadu Yiadom and Daniel Afriyie Barnieh but they marshaled all forces to match their opponents. Kwadwo Obeng Jnr. scored the only goal of the match in the 54th after he got on the end of a goalkeeping howler to pounce home.
Nsoatreman FC goalkeeper Daniel Afadwu clashed with his defender as they failed to communicate whilst dealing with a long ball from Hearts of Oak midfielder Eric Esso – to gift Obeng Jnr. a glorious chance to tap home.
The win takes Hearts of Oak to the second spot with 16 points – three points behind leaders Aduana FC who pipped Acrra Great Olympics 1-0 in Sogakope.
The Ogya Boys were beneficiaries of a 36th-minute own goal from Raymond Oko Grippman which gave them all three points.
The visitors went into the game without key striker Bright Adjei and Kwame Adom Frimpong but Coach Samuel Fabin named a formidable side that had Solomon Aboagye, Justus Torsutsey and Emmanuel Gyamfi in attack.
Great Olympics started the game well as they kept hold of the ball looking for spaces behind their opponents to capitalize on but Aduana FC were equally up to the task as they dealt with the situation with cheeky ease.
With three minutes to end the first half, Raymond Oko Grippman put the ball into his own net in a bid to clear a goalmouth melee, resulting from a free kick. The goal gave Aduana FC energy as they went into the break with a slim advantage.
Back from the break – the home team pilled the pressure in search of the equalizer but their effort yielding no dividends as the visitors held on to record their third away victory in the 2022/23 betPawa Premier League season.
The win takes Aduana FC back to the top of the Premier League table with 19 points – three points ahead of Accra Hearts of Oak, Bibiani Gold Stars and Accra Lions who have 16 points each
Asante Kotoko will rekindle their rivalry with Berekum Chelsea at the Baba Yara Stadium while Karela United battle Medeama in the Western Derby.
In the other game, Dreams and King Faisal will also fight for the necessary three points at the Dawu Park.
