Hearts of Oak put up a five-star display- one they haven't showcased for a while now to inflict a resounding 3-0 win over Real Tamale United in their first game of the second round of the 2023/24 Ghana Premier League season.
The 'Phobians' set off with a brighter start to the second round and looked completely different and very improved this time- a credit which definitely will be attributed to the newly appointed coach Aboubakar Ouattara.
Ivorian import Kassim Cisse won a free kick at a very good position in just eight minutes from kickoff but Salim Adams shot went straight at the throat of the visitors goalie.
After having what looked like a 12th minute opener from Cisse disallowed for offside, the Rainbow Club found the back of the net again five minutes later through inform Hamza Issah who scored a stunner to put his side ahead.
On the 39th minute, Hearts of Oak doubled their lead through Hamza Issah once again- who headed at a close range from Ibrahim Salifu's cross to mark his eighth goal of the season.
In the second half, the 'Pride of the Norths' returned looking very dull and were playing with same slow momentum without any incursions or showing any sign of improvement.
The homesters however, looked much more relaxed and took the game under full control and focused on exchanging passes among themselves.
Eventually, they got themselves the third on the 70th minute after Issah Kukah did a great work on the left to set up Enoch Asubonteng on the other side who struck nicely into the net with no mistake.
The 'Phobians' continued to run riots over RTU as it finished 3-0 after full time to halt their recent appalling run of not winning in this fixture in their last five attempts.
Hearts of Oak will travel to Nsoatreman FC, whiles Real Tamale United will host Bofoakwa Tano in the next round of matches.
By: Iddriss Abdul Rahim
