Midfielder Gladson Awako started with a second half strike on Wednesday afternoon to inspire his Hearts of Oak side to a 1-0 narrow win over Elmina Sharks in the 2021/2022 Ghana Premier League season.
Prior to today’s encounter against the Sharks, the Phobians had played four matches in the ongoing season without a win.
Having exited in their Africa campaign after a dissapointed show, the phobia boys were determined to turn things around as coach Samuel Boadu named a strong starting 11 to battle for the team.
After showing positive glimpses in a difficult first half, the capital base club broke the deadlock in the 72nd minutes courtesy of a deflected powerful strike from substitute Gladson Awako who marked his debut for the defending champions.
Hearts therefore threw more men up front by introducing Kojo Obeng Junior, Kofi Kordzi, Emmanuel Nertey and Caleb Amankwa but their efforts failed in the attacking front as Awako’s only goal was enough to grab all three points.
The former Heart of Lions, Great Olympics and TP Mazembe attacking midfielder having started the game from the bench after replacing Enoch Asubonteng proved his qualities and class with 25 minutes he enjoyed on the pitch why the rainbow boys needed his services.
The win means that Hearts of Oak recorded their first ever win in the ongoing 2021 Ghana Premier league following their poor start of the season after 3 draws and a lost.
That notwithstanding, both teams were reduced to ten men each after Ibrahim Suraj of Sharks and Ibrahim Salifu were sent off respectively for offences committed.
They now climbed to 16th from 18th position on the standings with six points but still have three outstanding matches.
