[ 2015-04-27 ]

Accra derby ends in stalemate
Accra Great Olympics held rivals Hearts of Oak to
a pulsating 0-0 stalemate in the Ghana Premier
League on Sunday at the Accra Sports Stadium.

It was a game that sold out entertainment to fans
who trooped to the national Wembley but both
sides missed glorious chances.

Referee J A Amenya also took some sticks from the
fans after he disallowed a legitimate penalty won
contested by Hearts of Oak in the early minutes of
the first-half.

Gilbert Fiamenyo was presented with the best
chance of the game in the final minutes of the but
he blasted his effort wide with only Richard
Kingson to beat.

Isaac Mensah and Richard Yamoah dazzled for Hearts
while Attram and Kwame Boateng caused problems for
the Hearts defence though Ivorian Robin Gnagne was
voted Man-of-the-match.

Olympics coach Yaw Acheampong named all three
former Ghana internationals in a strong line-up to
face the Phobians.

Former Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Richard Kingson
manned the post while Dan Quaye was also named in
the defence. Experienced attacking midfielder
Godwin Attram was deployed in a free role.

Acheampong’s Hearts of Oak counterpart Herbert
Addo responded by maintaining a strong defensive
side featuring Ivorian Robin Gnagne, Philip
Boampong, Isaac Oduro and Owusu Bempah in
defence.

Isaac Mensah, Eric Kumi and Gilbert Fiamenyo
formed the attacking trident with support Richard
Yamoah, Paul Acquah while Saban Laryea played the
holding midfield role.

Over 10,000 fans turned up at the Accra Sports
Stadium to back the two teams with Hearts of Oak
fans overshadowing their cross-city rivals.

The Phobians made an early statement of intent
impressive exchanges on the flanks between Yamoah
and Mensah though they couldn’t directly test
Richard Kingson.

Hearts’ early minutes perpetual pressure
resulted in an obvious penalty call which was
overlooked by referee J A Amenya. Yamoah rolled a
pass to Kumi inside the box. Ofotsu’s attempted
clearance went bad as he missed the ball and
rather felled the winger. The surprise of Hearts
fans, the centre referee waved for play to
continue.

That did not deter Hearts as they continued to
their search for the opener. Laryea weighed in a
long cross from midfield, Kumi sneaked between
Ofotsu and Arthur to go clean on goal but the
on-rushing Kingson closed the gap and the former
Ghana U20 invitee sent his effort wide.

While the first-half wore on Olympics came into
the picture with Attram, Doestse and Kwame Boateng
all coming close.

In one instance, Doestse sent a cruising header
which Soulama palmed away with feline agility.

Great Olympics XI vs Hearts of Oak: Kingson –
Ampofo, A Arthur, Dan Quaye, Ofotsu – B Arthur,
Amartey, Godwin Attram – Doestse, Boateng,
Attuquaye

Hearts of Oak XI vs Great Olympics: Abdoulaye
Soulama – Owusu Bempah, Isaac Oduro, Robin
Gnagne, Philip Boampong – Saban Laryea, Paul
Acquah, Richard Yamoah, Isaac Mensah – Gilbert
Fiamenyo, Eric Kumi.

Source - Ghanasoccer

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