GPL : Hearts edge Eleven Wonders to go top

Hearts of Oak climbed to the summit of the Ghana Premier League table after edging Eleven Wonders 1-0 at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday evening.

A first-half strike from Enoch Asubonteng proved decisive as the Phobians maintained their perfect defensive record this season.

Read more: Black Queens coach Lars Kim Bjorkegren names final 24-woman squad for WAFCON 2024

Head coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani made notable changes to his starting XI from the side that defeated Dreams FC, with David Oppong Afrane and George Paaku replacing Kelvin Osei Asibey and Hussein Mohammed, who were both left out of the squad.

The Phobians started brightly, testing Wonders’ goalkeeper Kwame Baah on several occasions before their sustained pressure paid off in the 18th minute. Asubonteng pounced on a scramble in the box to fire home the opener.

Hearts were dealt an early blow when Ali Mohammed was stretchered off and replaced by Baba Adamu, but they remained composed despite a spirited response from Wonders.

The visitors enjoyed long spells of possession and showcased some delightful passing, yet failed to trouble the Hearts’ goalkeeper in the first half.

After the break, the Phobians pushed for a second goal but found the Wonders defense difficult to break down.

Wonders felt hard done by in the 86th minute when a strong penalty appeal was waved away after Asamoah appeared to be fouled by Baba Adamu in the box.

Despite mounting pressure late on, Hearts stood firm to secure maximum points.

The victory moves Hearts of Oak temporarily top of the table with seven points from three matches, having impressively kept three consecutive clean sheets.

For Eleven Wonders, however, it was another disappointing outing, as they have now lost all three of their opening fixtures despite an improved display in Accra.

Next up, Hearts of Oak travel to face Bechem United, while Wonders will host Young Apostles.

Read more: Black Queens coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren sets sights on WAFCON glory