Hearts of Oak secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Accra Lions at the WAFA park in Sogakope in matchday 15. The game delivered a spectacle of attacking football, with both teams displaying end-to-end action that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The match began with Accra Lions showing promise, pressing high and creating early chances. However, Hearts of Oak found the breakthrough late in the first half, taking a slender 1-0 lead into the break.
Upon resumption, Accra Lions roared back into the game, capitalizing on a lapse in concentration from the Hearts of Oak defense to level the score. The visitors then surged ahead with a second goal, leaving Hearts chasing the game.
Hearts of Oak coach Aboubakar Ouattara acknowledged the team’s dip in focus after halftime but praised his players for their resilience. “We lost concentration when we came from the dressing room. I don’t know what happened, but the important thing is that we took the three points. We couldn’t make it, and Wayo came, Karikari (Martin), and all these players came to change the game and take the three points; that’s the important thing,” Ouattara remarked.
The turning point arrived with the introduction of substitute Mawuli Wayo, who turned the game on its head with a sensational brace. His energy and attacking intent lifted Hearts, propelling them to reclaim the lead and eventually secure the win.
Reflecting on his match-winning performance, Wayo expressed his elation. “I feel great; it’s been an honour to come into the game and score, so I’m feeling amazing. I knew that we would come back, so I was not afraid of the game. I knew we would overtake them, so I wasn’t afraid, and no matter what, I knew we would take the three points. These three points give a lot of confidence going into the next match, and I wish the fans a happy new year.”
Accra Lions’ Sporting Director Ibrahim Tanko conceded that Hearts of Oak deserved the victory. “I think we started very well until the time they scored and it was a very tough game for us today but I think in the end they (Hearts Of Oak) deserved to win more than us,” Tanko said post-match.
With this win, Hearts of Oak continue to build momentum as they eye the top spots in the league, while Accra Lions will look to regroup ahead of their next fixture.
