Hearts of Oak Outclass Accra Lions in Thrilling Accra Derby Victory

 Hearts of Oak delivered a commanding performance to defeat Accra Lions 3-1 in a spirited Matchday 32 clash of the Ghana Premier League at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday evening.

Goals from Enoch Asubonteng, Kofi Asmah, and Hamza Issah ensured the Phobians claimed back-to-back wins as they continued their late push in the season. Accra Lions’ only response came via a stunning long-range strike from Lawrence Setordjie, who was forced off the pitch moments later due to injury.

The Phobians began the encounter with intensity, pushing the visitors onto the back foot. Raphael Amponsah came close early before Asubonteng broke the deadlock in the 11th minute. The winger capitalized on space down the left flank, darting past his marker and slotting the ball past goalkeeper Daniel Afful.

Accra Lions slowly grew into the game, threatening through Yao Sokpoli and Setordjie, but Hearts’ shot-stopper Benjamin Asare remained resolute, producing key saves to preserve his side’s lead.

Just before the break, Asamoah Boateng nearly doubled the lead for the home side. After outwitting Afful, his goal-bound effort was miraculously cleared off the line by Hamza Issah in a rare defensive contribution from the forward.

The second half saw a renewed Accra Lions side take charge of proceedings. Inspired substitutions — Daniel Acquah and Edmund Amakye — injected energy into their midfield. The pressure paid off in the 64th minute when Setordjie rifled home a thunderous strike from outside the box to level the score.

However, the Lions’ momentum was short-lived. A defensive lapse in the 78th minute allowed Issah to pounce on a loose ball in the box, setting up Kofi Asmah to calmly slot in Hearts’ second goal of the night.

Hearts sealed the win in style on the break as Hamza Issah turned from provider to scorer. With Accra Lions committed forward, Issah broke free and expertly lobbed Afful to make it 3-1 in the dying minutes.

The result strengthens Hearts of Oak’s bid for a strong finish to the 2024/25 campaign, while Accra Lions’ relegation concerns deepen with just two games remaining.

Hearts now turn their focus to the next fixture, with momentum clearly back on their side.