MTN FA Cup: Hearts squeeze past Young Wise to book quarter-final ticket
Ghanaian giants Hearts of Oak have secured their ticket to the quarter-final stage of the 2021 MTN FA Cup after beating second-tier side Young Wise in the round of 16 clash at the Theatre of Dreams in Dawu on Wednesday afternoon.
Striker Daniel Afriyie Barnieh struck the solitary goal of the game on the 65th minute mark from the penalty spot after he was felled inside the box by Young Wise goalkeeper.
Young Wise saw their campaign come to an end after they had eliminated Premier League side WAFA and fellow Division One League side Okyeman Planners FC in the process.
The Division One League Zone III side had held the Ghana Premier League table-toppers for most parts of the game and even came close to scoring on a number of occasions.
Hearts coach Samuel Boadu rang changes in his line up as he handed starting role to goalkeeper Benjamin Mensah while striker Abednego Tetteh led the attacking lines.
Young Wise coach Ache Silas had the instrumental Paul Quaye Junior in action for the exciting looking White and Blues.
Hearts had a legitimate goal ruled offside by referee Kenny Padi after striker Abednego Tetteh headed a Frederick Ansah Botchway cross into the net.
The Phobians created a host of chances but were unable to convert until the 65th minute. Defender Caleb Amankwah who came on for Benjamin Afutu Kotey who suffered a knee injury. The ex-WAFA man’s vision allowed him to locate Afriyie Barnieh who rounded up the goalkeeper but was fouled in the process. Salifu Ibrahim missed the rebound after the referee played the advantage but later awarded a penalty.
Afriyie Barnieh stepped and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way for the opener. Hearts have joined Asante Kotoko, Medeama and AshantiGold as the list of Premier League clubs who have reached the quarter-finals.
Source: Sports
