Kwabena Boateng and Mawuli Wayo score as Hearts of Oak down Medeama in Tarkwa

Hearts of Oak put on a resilient display to secure a 2-0 victory over Medeama S.C. at the newly inaugurated T & A Park in the Ghana Premier League.

Emmanuel Amankwaah, filling in at right-back, and new signing Mawuli Wayo scored the crucial goals for the Phobians on Friday night.

Head coach Aboubakar Ouattara made two adjustments from last Sunday's lineup, bringing Salim Adams into central midfield in place of Ahmed Ramzy, and shifting Emmanuel Amankwaah to right-back to accommodate the return of Ransford Mensah. Medeama’s coach, Nebojsa Kapoor, fielded the same lineup that drew 2-2 with Aduana Stars in their previous game.

The first half saw few highlights, with Medeama’s Theophilus Collinson forcing a good save after an early header, but both teams largely cancelled each other out until halftime.

After the break, Medeama pressed forward, focusing their attacks on Hearts' left side. Despite their efforts, Hearts' defense—led by Abdul Fatawu Sulemana and Kofi Babil—held firm. Sulemana found David Boison in the box ten minutes into the half, but Collinson’s quick reaction stifled the chance. Another opportunity came when Diawusie Taylor set up Babil, but Kelvin Osei-Asibey intervened to neutralize the threat.

Hearts also created chances, with Saani Mohammed and Hussein Mohammed narrowly missing final touches. Hearts finally broke the deadlock just past the hour mark when Hamza Issa slipped in behind Medeama’s defense, sending a shot toward goal that Kwabena Boateng redirected for the opening score. The goal energized the crowd, with Hearts fans singing in celebration.

With the lead in hand, Hearts fell back into a low defensive block, with Osei-Asibey anchoring a determined effort to prevent Medeama from mounting a comeback.

In the final minutes, Mawuli Wayo added the second goal, heading in a long ball from Benjamin Asare past goalkeeper Appiah Kubi. Just like the first, Wayo chased the ball to ensure it crossed the line, sending fans into rapturous applause.

This victory moves Hearts of Oak to seventh place with 12 points from nine matches, while Medeama remains in third place with 15 points ahead of the weekend's games.