Ghana Premier League: Heart of Oak pip Hohoe United in Benjamin Asare’s return

The second half of the Ghana Premier League began for Hearts of Oak at newly promoted side Hohoe United on Saturday with a cautiously contested first half seeing both clubs produce minimal scoring chances in front of an encouraging home based supporters.

Hearts of Oak head coach, Mas Ud Didi Dramani rang changes to his squad with Benjamin Asare returning to the post since November where he was in post in Ghana’s 1-0 loss to South Korea in the international friendly at the Seoul Olympic Stadium.

It was the home side that started the onslaught when Lawson Bekui caught an array of Hearts of Oak defenders’ pants down in the 13th minute however his effort flashed above the cross bar for the visitors’ goal kick.

Hearts of Oak came close with Hamza Issah’s improvised overhead kick in Hohoe United’s penalty area but his effort was not enough to trouble keeper Kwaku Musah in the 34th minute.

Hohoe United controlled most part of the second half, tormenting Hearts of Oak with quick moves but goalkeeper Benjamin Asare’s well positioned backline kept the home side at bay.

Hearts of Oak substitute, Mawuli Wayo blew a fine opportunity into the skies much to the shock of the few traveling away fans.

Hohoe United were dealt a double injury blow when their centre-back pair of Solomon Adomako and Paul Kwame were stretchered off with a muscle sprain with twelve minutes to play.

Sena Ati could have punished Hearts of Oak in the dying embers of the game but Benjamin Asare made a timely save to deny Hohoe United.

Hearts of Oak finally heaved a sigh of relief late in the game when substitute Mawuli Wayo scored to send the 2000 CAF Champions League winners into third on the log with 31 points from 18 matches. Hohoe United on the other hand sit in 18th on 18 points from 18 games.

Hohoe United unveil new coach Kasim Gokyildiz

Hohoe United last week sacked coach Tijani Bashiru and they unveiled their new head trainer, Kasim Gokyildiz prior to meeting the Phobians. The Turkish tactician will see to the survival of the struggling side with assistance from Boniface Ayipa.

Gokyildiz has previously managed Bechem United, AshantiGold, King Faisal and Rainmakers FC in the Ghana football league.

Ghana Premier League: Week 18 fixtures

Friday January 9

Eleven Wonders 2-0 Basake Holy Stars

Saturday, January 10

Hohoe United 0-1 Hearts of Oak

Sunday, January 11

Dreams fc vs Heart of Lions

Samartex vs Vision

Bechem United vs GoldStars

All Blacks vs Nations FC

Aduana vs Karela

Medeama vs Young Apostles

Kotoko vs Berekum Chelsea

⚽ Follow Pan-Africa Football across platforms for real-time news and stories.