Hearts overcome Heart of Lions to win Gbese Mantse Peace Cup

Hearts of Oak yesterday lifted the 2024 Gbese Mantse Homowo Peace Cup after beating Kpando Heart of Lions 8-7 on penalties at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The game ended 1-1 in regulation time.

The one-off anniversary cup game was part of celebrations of the Ga Homowo festivaland was under the theme “We play for peace, 2024 elections.”

• Nii Ayibonte II performs the ceremonial kick off

Gbese Mantse, Nii Ayibonte II performed the official ceremonial kick off for the game that saw Hearts Head Coach Abubakar Ouattara named a new side with skipper Oppong Afrane, Martin Karikari, and Isaac Frimpong as the only regulars in the starting line-up.

Lions began the game on the front foot and registered the first goal through former Hearts of Oak striker Kwadwo Obeng Jnr who controlled,turned and fired home.

Back from recess, Hearts pushed men forward in search of the equaliser which eventually came in the 88th minute as substitute Mohammed Hussein tapped in at close range.

After converting seven kicks perfectly, Lions left-back Bismark Anim’s kick was saved by goalkeeper Ben Asare who went ahead to convert the winning kick for the Phobians.

Hearts of Oak striker Kwabena Boateng was named the Man-of-the-Match.

Inset: Mr Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong (second from left) being assisted by Chief of Leklebi -Kame, Togbe Atatsi V, (right) to cut the tape to open the facility

BY RAYMOND ACKUMEY