Accra Hearts of Oak recorded a slim win over Wydad Athletic Club of Morocco in the second round of qualifiers for the CAF Champions League at the Accra Sports stadium.
The game started at a slow pace as Hearts of Oak struggled string passes together. It was Wydad Athletic Club that looked more determined to break the deadlock of the game.
In the 6th minute, Moroccan midfielder, Zouhair El Moutaraji created the first chance of the day by striking a powerful shot towards the Hearts’ goal but goalkeeper Richard Atta parried it away to safety.
Hearts of Oak midfielder, Emmanuel Nettey struck the first shot at goal for Hearts of Oak in the 15th minute but the ball went miles over the cross bar.
Congolese left back, Raddy Ovuka was substituted and replaced by William Dankyi 20th minute after defender picked up an injury.
Hearts of Oak got themselves into the game and started creating chances. Kofi Kordzi in the 36th minute placed a through pass to Afriyie Barnieh in the 18 yard box who later gave it back to Kordzi but the striker was fouled. A sweet follow up curler from Ibrahim Salifu was saved by the Moroccan goalkeeper.
With just four minutes left to end proceedings for the first half, a perfect cross from Ibrahim Salifu found Isaac Mensah who connected the ball beautifully into the net to give the Phobians the lead.
The second half started with the Moroccans pushing for the equalizer. Simon Msuva’s strike in the 57th minute lacked power and direction to cause any problem for the Phobians.
Kofi Kordzi could have doubled the lead for Hearts in the 59th minute after he received a long pass from Fatawu Mohammed but goalkeeper Ahmed Tagnaouti saved the powerful strike from the striker.
Salim Adams, Enoch Asubonteng, Isaac Agyenim Boateng and Victor Aidoo came in for Ansah Botchway, Isaac Mensah, Salifu Ibrahim and Kofi Kordzi respectively.
It was heart break for the Moroccans and a relief for the Ghanaians when the flag went up for an offside after the Moroccans found the net in the 93rd minute.
The second leg is billed to take place at the King Mohammed V Sports complex in Casablanca on Sunday, October 24, 2021.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/James Ohenba Mckeown