Ramzy Yussif's lone goal was enough to give Hearts of Oak an important 1-0 win over Legon Cities FC in a very thrilling GPL match-week 16 opener at the University of Ghana Stadium.
The Royals looked dominant at half time having dominated the game from different cylinders and used their wings on most occasions but couldn't make good use of their chances.
The 'Phobians' came probing in the 15th minute after a great team build-up resulted at far post needing only a touch to get into the net but Kwame Boateng was late to do the connection.
Three minutes later, the visitors appealed strongly for a penalty after Mohammed Alidu had been brought down in the box but the referee waved play on.
Legon Cities again with a glorious opportunity but Kamal Suraje had his strong hit from the right side tipped off the crossbar by goalkeeper Benjamin Asare.
In the dying embers of the first half, in-form Ramzy Yussif once again conjured magic after shaking off two opposing defenders and struck beyond Kwame Aziz to give Hearts of Oak the lead at half-time.
In the second half, the Rainbow Club returned on a higher note and were in charge in the early stages having come out with some dangerous incursions.
The visitors subsequently found their pieces and continued with the attack in search of the leveller but struggled to break the host's backline.
With six minutes to full-time, the homesters got reduced to ten men after Emmanuel Amankwah was shown yellow card and were really cautious and resolute in defense to preserve their lead despite the numerical disadvantage.
Hearts of Oak after the win have now climbed up to the second position with 28 points after 16 matches.
Legon Cities however, had their woes deepen as they continue to remain at the bottom of the league table with just 11 points.
