Accra Hearts of Oak beat Algerian side, JS Saoura 2-0 at the Accra Sports Stadium in the first leg of the playoff round of the CAF Confederations Cup.
Ibrahim Salifu scored in the 16th minute with a brilliant header to put the Phobians ahead.
Back from recess, the 2004 Confederation cup winners continued Knocking at the doors of their opponents for a second goal, but Daniel Afriyie saw his header missed the post by an inches in the 55th minutes whilst Kofi Kordzi’s well taken free-kick was saved by goalkeeper Zakari Saidi.
However, Hearts of Oak were dealt with a blow after Ibrahim Salifu picked up an injury in the 49th minutess and was quickly replaced by Isaac Agyenim Boateng.
One then became two, in the 70th minutes through Isaac Agyenim Boateng, who scored his first goal in the colours of the rainbow jersey with a calmly finish into the buttom right corner of the net after William Denkyi cross on the left flank.
Despite, JS Saoura completing the game with 10 men when goalkeeper Zakari Saidi was sent off following a second yellow card after fouling Daniel Afriyie outside the box, the home side attempt to increase their tally proved fruitless.
The game therefore finished 2-0 in favour of Hearts of Oak heading into the second leg with a slim advantage.
The second leg is scheduled for next week and although Hearts have the advantage, they have to be at their best to progress into the group stage of the CAF Confederations Cup.
With their last visit to North Africa ending in a humiliating 6-1 loss, the Accra-based side will be fully aware of the difficulty of the task ahead in the upcoming second leg.
Hearts of Oak dropped to the Caf Confederation Cup fter their elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Moroccan club Wydad Casablanca, 6-2 on aggregate.
