Match Report: Hearts of Oak 2-0 J.S. Saoura – Salifu Ibrahim and Agyenim Boateng put Phobians in firm control in CAF Confederation Cup play-off
Hearts of Oak took firm control of their destiny in the CAF Confederation Cup as the Phobians recorded a 2-0 victory over Algerian minnows J.S. Saoura on Sunday at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Salifu Ibrahim dived to head home a Daniel Afriyie Barnieh cross on the 16th-minute mark before Agyenim Boateng who replaced opening goal-getter Salifu added the second with a sweet finish from inside the box.
Samuel Boadu opted to start William Dankyi ahead of Congolese Raddy Ovouka in defence while James Sewornu started ahead of Robert Addo. But, there was no place in the squad for Kwadwo Obeng Junior and Gladson Awako.
The Phobians, playing a high-energy game, pressed their visitors from start to finish and should have scored earlier than the 16th minute.
Kofi Kordzi couldn’t believe his eyes when he squandered a glorious chance around the 4th minute when he Zakaria Saidi in the Saoura to beat but still managed to miss though it was a stunning display from the Algerian gloveman.
Daniel Afriyie wriggled his way through the visitors’ backline and almost played through a teammate but his effort was cut.
Mohamed Daoud played through Hamia in the 7th minute but Mohammed Alhassan intercepted the effort in the favour of Hearts of Oak.
Just after Salifu registered the opening goal Kordzi was played through again by Barnieh the forward once again fluffed his lines as his agonising afternoon prolonged.
Just around the half-hour mark, Fatawu Mohammed skewed his pass as the ball fell a Saoura player in the vital area. The player pulled the trigger but Richard Attah stopped the travelling bullet.
Hearts pressed more after the break with Isaac Mensah and Salifu showing positive spirit through a combination of skill and pace.
Barnieh came close to doubling the lead for Phobians when he headed just wide from a Frederick Ansah Botchway cross.
William Dankyi set up Agyenim Boateng for the second goal for the Phobians.
Barnieh was on his way to scoring the second goal for the Phobians when he was hacked down by Saidi. The offence attracted a second yellow card and he was marched off.
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Source: Sports
