Gallant Sportive Subdue Hearts

A rusty Hearts of Oak, lacking the power for combat, yesterday surrendered easily to Real Sportive, who posted a famous 2-1 victory over the league leaders in their Onetouch Premier encounter at the Dansoman Park.

Former Kumasi Asante Kotoko striker, Frank Osei, emerged the proud hero in the drama after stunning the Hearts backline with a superb volley in the 66th minute, which secured the game for his side and threatened the Phobians' lead at this crucial stage.

Hearts appeared weary in the exchanges and laboured through the second half, causing some frustrated officials to make a villian out of Coach Mitkov Dobrev, who was accused of failing to fashion out an elaborate fitness programme during the break.

In a game that failed to sparkle, probably due to the long lay-off, it was Hearts of Oak that ignited the scene when striker Eric Gawu profited from a swift counter at the right side of the Sportive defence to beat former Hearts goalkeeper James Nanor in post.

This must have angered the visitors who were stronger in the challenge and consequently often exposed the limitations of the Hearts defence of Dan Coleman and Charles Vardis that left goalkeeper Sulemana in trouble.

However, Sportive could not be denied the equaliser when defender Esmie Mends towered above the Hearts defence to head the ball past Abubakar Sulemana.

Hearts reacted fiercely in the second half with striker Moses Andoh and Gawu leading the hunt for the winner, but some disappointing finishing on the part of Ekow Ghansah and Eric Nyarko proved the delight for the visitors.

When Sportive decided on some few adventures into the Hearts half, they were quite graceful, and it was during one such spell that Osei drove the ball from 40yards into the net for the match winner.

Story by Andy Quao