GPL 26/27: Hearts move to 2nd place after thrashing Lions 3-0

Accra Hearts of Oak returned to winning ways in the Ghana Premier League with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Heart of Lions on Sunday.

Having lost to Debibi United last week, Hearts were desperate to make amends, and took the lead after just two minutes.

John Antwi's effort was stopped by Lions goalie Prince Asempah before left back Ransford Mensah rifled home the rebound for the opener.

Lions replied almost immediately after William Oduro's free-kick deflected twice.

However, Hearts goalkeeper Benjamin Asare quickly adjusted his body, diving to his left to stop the goal-bound shot.

Twenty minutes later, Hearts doubled their advantage with a sublime free-kick routine.Lions lined up in front of a free-kick from nearly 30 yards, in anticipation of a cross or a shot at goal.

However, Ransford Mensah deceived them with a short pass to Abdul Karim who found Martin Karikari unmarked in the box.

Though Karikari's shot was tame, John Antwi made amends by stabbing home the rebound for Hearts of Oak's second of the afternoon.

Before Sunday's match, Heart of Lions had scored 10 goals from 9 games and before long, fans at the University of Ghana Stadium saw the extent of their attacking poverty.

Three minutes before the interval, Stephen Afoakwa pounced on a loose ball and drove through the half-space on the right, only to fire straight at the crossbar.

For a notoriously miserly defense like Hearts of Oak's, (they have conceded just three goals in 10 matches this season), chances like that ought to be taken.

But Lions did not and before long, they were punished ruthlessly.

Within three minutes of restart, John Antwi capped off a fine team move with a close range finish to put the game to bed.

Osei Djan made a darting run into the Lions half, before releasing Yaw Amankwah Baafi, whose first time pass found Hussein Mohammed.

The attacking midfielder found John Antwi after a delightful swivel and turn pass, and the striker made no mistake from three yards.

Hearts are now in second place with 20 points, one behind league leaders Medeama S.C.

Sunday's defeat leaves Lions perilously close to the relegation zone, just above the drop zone on goal difference. Lions have 11 points from 10 matches.