Daniel Afriyie Barnieh scored a brace as Hearts of Oak of Oak beat AshantiGold SC 2-1 on Match Day 21 of the Ghana Premier League at the Accra Sports stadium.
The Champions who lost 1-0 to Aduana FC last weekend, needed to win on Sunday to restore some pride as arch rivals Asante Kotoko continue to stretch their lead the top of the table.
Barnieh opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a well taken penalty to end his 7 games goal scoring drought.
The lead lasted for only 12 minutes as the Miners equalised through Aminu Adams inside 25 minutes.
Accra Hearts of Oak went into the match without goalkeeper Richard Attah due to injury as he was replaced by Richmond Ayi.
Daniel Afriyie Barnieh again popped up with his second of the day in the 61st minute to restore their lead. The Africa U-20 winner smashed home the winner with an absolute belter as Hearts of Oak held on to win 2-1.
The win takes the Phobians to the 5th spot - three points off fourth place and 12 points behind leaders Asante Kotoko who play against Eleven Wonders on Monday.
In other matches – Legon Cities returned to winning ways following a 2-1 win against WAFA at the El Wak stadium. Hans Kwofie gave the host a deserved lead inside 23 minutes before Abdul Nasiru added the second goal in the 33rd minute. WAFA reduced the deficit in the 85th minute through Moses Ayidem.
Godfred Kyei scored the only goal for Bibiani Gold Stars in their 1-0 win against Elmina Sharks at DUN’s Park.
In Bechem – Bechem United continued their impressive run with a slim win over Accra Lions to keep their title aspirations intact. Emmanuel Annor scored the only goal as the Hunters coasted to their 10th win of the season. The win moves Bechem United to the second spot - cutting Asante Kotoko's lead to 7 points.
Eric Kwakwa climbed off the bench to snatch a point for Aduana FC in their 1-1 draw with Real Tamale United. Baba Kushibo netted for the host in the 33rd minute but the Northern giants couldn’t add to the tally as Aduana came from behind to pick a point at the Aliu Mahama stadium.
Dreams FC annihilated Great Olympics 5-2 at the theatre of Dreams – Dawu in a 7 goal thriller. The Still Believe lads scored two goals in the opening 4 minutes of the match through Sylvester Simba and Issah Ibrahim. Simba fired home the first goal after only 56 seconds of play before Issah added the second goal in the 4th minute. Great Olympics replied in the 25th minute through Daniel Adrian as he converted from the spot to keep them in the game.
Back from recess, Agyenim Boateng made no mistake by adding to the tally in the 54th minute for Dreams FC. The forward headed home a cross from Emmanuel Agyei to beat the Olympics goalkeeper. Clement Boahen added the 4th goal in the 75th minute before Collins Boah rounded it all up with a sublime free kick inside the 80th minute to make it 5-2 for the Dawu lads.
Earlier on Saturday – Karela United and Medeama SC battled to a 1-1 stalemate at the CAM Park at Aiyinase. Patrick Mensah shot his side into the lead in the 36th minute before Sule Musah equalized one minute into the second half.
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