Gbese Mantse Cup: Hearts of Oak keeper Benjamin Asare and striker Hamza Issah react to first pre-season silverware

Ghana Premier League giants, Hearts of Oak got their pre-season exercise to a flying start with a comfortable victory over Heart of Lions in the Gbese Mantse Cup.

The Phobians showed grit and verve against their fellow top flight side, brushing them aside with a 2-0 win at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.

New signing, Frank Abora Duku and lethal striker Hamza Issah got a goal each in the first half to help the 2004 CAF Confederation Cup winners retain the trophy they won last season against the same side.

Hamza Issah, who finished off a fast break after Frank Duku’s 39th minute tap-in, spoke after the momentous victory.

“I feel very excited, I’m happy that we won the trophy because it has been a dream to win it,” Hamza Issah told Max TV.

“I am urging the supporters to come and rally behind the team in the GHALCA Top four just like they did in the Gbese Mantse Cup.”

Hearts of Oak goalkeeper, Benjamin Asare has indicated that, winning the Ghana Premier League will be a big achievement for the club and its teeming supporters.

“It’s always a dream to win the Ghana Premier League with Hearts of Oak and that will be a big achievement for the players, so we are looking forward to next season’s league campaign.”

Hearts of Oak will now turn attention to the GHALCA Top Four, a pre-season competition that includes league champions Gold Stars, Heart of Lions and FA Cup winners Asante Kotoko.