Medeama 0-2 Hearts: Phobians stun Yellow and Mauve

Two second half goals from Cosmos Dauda and Eric Kimi gave Kenichi Yastuhashi his first away win and six points out of six.

A 10-man Hearts of Oak continued their impressive start to the season after defeating Medeama SC 2-0 on Match Day Two of the Ghana Premier League at the T&A Park in Tarkwa on Sunday. The victory was the first of its kind by the Phobians at the facility since 1969 and the first away win over their hosts.

Medeama set the tone for the game, exchanging passes with swagger and made their intentions clear from the start. They threatened the visitors' defence with an early surge, but Kwasi Donsu’s final delivery was blocked by Robin Gnagne. 

Samuel Adade was heckled down few minutes later by Gnagne in Hearts' penalty area but referee Prince Amoah ignored the plea from the vociferous home fans behind the post and waved ‘play on’.

Eric Kwakwa also won a free-kick on the edge of the area after being brought down by a Hearts defender but, Malik Akowuah could only fire the set-piece straight at goalkeeper Samuel Akrugu after 23 minutes.

Hearts gradually found their rhythm and came close to opening the scoring by the half-hour mark. Isaac Mensah meandered through two defenders before being tripled by another but the resulting free-kick was no threat for goalkeeper Muntari Tagoe.

Medeama continued to impress before the interval but they were unable to break down a resilient Hearts defence.

After the break, Medeama continued their push but couldn't turn possession into goals. Hearts came into the party after the hour-mark. Foovi Aguidi failed to connect to a cross from substitute Cosmos Dauda after 68 minutes, however, Dauda broke the deadlock nine minutes later. The midfielder lobbed his onrushing marker before firing past goalkeeper Tagoe for the opener after 77th minute.

Medeama made two quick substitutions with Tom Strand ordering his men to push forward but they were unable to surmount a bulwark Hearts defence. Eric Kumi was booked on 87th minute for time wasting but he soon scored the much-needed cushion deep in additional time.

Kumis pulled off his shirt in celebration and was shown his second caution of the day, resulting to his marching orders.

Hearts pipped Edubiase 1-0 on opening day and Sunday’s win was their second with six points, tied with leader's All Stars who have better goal difference.

Medeama are languishing at the bottom with zero point after losing also to Ashantigold on opening day.