Hearts make winning start to league campaign

Published on: 08 October 2011

By Akyereko Frimpong-Manson

Giants Hearts of Oak opened their Glo Premier League campaign with a 1-0 win over Berekum Arsenals at the Cape Coast on Saturday.

Ghana Under-23 striker Mahatma Otoo's 8th minute tap in goal helped the former African champions recover from last week's stunning 3-1 defeat to rivals Kotoko in a pre-season friendly.

Arsenals had to play at the Robert Mensah Stadium instead of their favourite Golden City Park in Berekum due to a two-match home ban.

Serbian coach Nebojsa Vucicevic who has come under intense pressure at the club after the defeat to Kotoko fielded a strong squad with goalkeeper Sammy Adjei returning to the post.

Midfielders Esme Mends, Douglas Nkrumah and striker Mahatma Otoo were all started.

Midfielder Joseph Tagoe also marked his return to the club coming on as a second half substitute.

It did not take long for Hearts to launch an assault on Arsenals who beat the Phobians in Accra last season in the second half.

Mahatma Otoo connected a cross from captain Douglas Nkrumah.

Inasmuch as Hearts fought to increase the tally, Arsenals tried to level the scoring but lacked the cutting edge in front of goal.

Captain Nkrumah expressed delight at his side winning start.

"We thank God for the victory. The fans were great. They cheered us on through-out the game and we want that to continue," the club's top scorer for last season said.

The former Asante Kotoko midfielder also praised the tactics of coach Vucicevic.

"We played to his instructions and that helped us to win."

Hearts will go on the top of the table until Sunday's round of matches are played.

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