Match Report: Olympique de Ngor 2-3 Hearts of Oak – Crusading Phobians make huge statement in Senegal
Ghanaian giants Accra Hearts of Oak announced their return to Africa with a scintillating 3-2 away victory over Senegalese outfit Olympique de Ngor in the second-leg tie of the CAF Confederation Cup tie in M'Bour on Saturday.
The Continental Club Masters have progressed on a 5-3 aggregate after winning the first-leg 2-1 in Accra three weeks ago.
Ngor, playing in front of over 20,000 home fans at M'Bour cruised to an early minute in the 8th minute but Herbert Addo's men staged a strong second-half performance to level through substitute Eric Kumi before Ivorian defender Robin Gnagne converted a spot-kick moments later to hand the lead to the Phobians.
But the home side pecked the scoring once again but Paul Acquah snatched a late winner to seal victory Hearts.
Herbert Addo welcome Burkina Faso goalkeeper Abdoulaye Soulama in between the sticks after shambolic display by second-choice Tetteh Luggard during last weekend's Ghana Premier League game.
In-form striker Gilbert Fiamenyo lasted only 38 minutes after picking up an injury and being replaced by Eric Kumi. Youngster Isaac Mensah who recently signed a new deal was also handed a starting berth along with Togolese Foovi Aguidi.
Hearts, who won the maiden edition of the competition in 2004, looked in shape to torment the Senegalese outfit but they conceded an early goal to leave them a bit dampened.