Gbese Mantse Cup: Hearts of Oak beat Heart of Lions to lift trophy

Hearts of Oak defeated Heart of Lions by 2-0 to win the Gbese Mantse Homowo Peace Cup on Sunday.

The annual pre-season event, which is designed to celebrate peace and unity during the Ga Homowo festival, came up at the Accra Sports Stadium.

It was Heart of Lions who nearly drew the first blood when Seedorf Asante beat Hearts of Oak’s back line with a sweet pass from Kwadwo Obeng Junior but his effort went a fraction wide off Hearts of Oak’s post in the 9th minute.

Hearts of Oak’s chance came in the 22nd minute when George Paaku swept in a perfect free kick however Lions keeper, Jayson Nettey parried the ball for a corner kick which the Phobians failed utilize.

Hamza Issah came close to opening the goal for Hearts of Oak when he headed Frank Duku’s cross off the post in the 32nd minute. The 2000 CAF Champions League winners shot themselves ahead when Frank Duku tapped in George Paaku’s assist in the 37th minute.

Heart of Lions responded quickly with Kwadwo Obeng Junior’s ferocious drive going wide much to the relief of Benjamin Asare in post for Hearts of Oak.

Hearts of Oak got their second goal from a quick break when George Paaku sent a long ball from his own half to Hamza Issah who beat Jayson Nettey in the 40th minute. The Phobians, who are the record Ghana FA Cup holders, held on to the 2-0 lead into the half time break.

The leaders returned for the second half of the game determined to increase their tally, however Lions remained resolute at the back and occasionally caught their opponents on the break. Heart of Lions goalkeeper Jayson Nettey denied Mawuli Wayo from increasing Hearts of Oak’s tally to 3-0 in the 88th minute mark.

The game ended in a 2-0 score line with Hearts of Oak winning the trophy for the second time. Heart of Lions lost the previ­ous edition 8-7 on penalties after a 1-1 stalemate in regulation time at the same venue.