Match Report: Gladson Awako scores stunning free-kick to inspire Great Olympics to beat rivals Hearts Of Oak

In-form Gladson Awako netted from a direct free-kick on Saturday evening to propel Great Olympics to defeat Hearts of Oak in the first ‘Mantse Derby’ of the 2020/2021 Ghana Premier League season.

The two capital-based clubs faced off at the Accra Sports Stadium in a match-day 11 battle of the ongoing Ghanaian top-flight league campaign.

The Dade Boys had not beaten the Phobians in the last seventeen and they were poised to beat Kosta Papic’s charges after an impressive start to the season.

Hearts of Oak had a bright start with a delightful play from the midfield of the team attracting applause from the fans who were in the stands.

But they failed to make good use of their dominance, as they got themselves punished in the 13^th minute when they conceded a free-kick in a dangerous position. Nuru Sulley was adjudged to have tucked the shirt of Maxwell Abbey.

Great Olympics talisman Gladson Awako stepped up for the kick and expertly converted into the top corner of the post, beating goalkeeper Ayi at his near post.

Yaw Preko’s Boys quickly scored again in the17th minute through Maxwell Quaye to double their lead, with the assist coming from the younger brother of Maxwell, Samuel Ashie-Quaye.

Hearts of Oak came close to reducing the deficit in the 43rd minute but Nuru Sulley’s header went just wide. The first half ended 0-2.

The Phobians pressed hard to return into the game but could not score despite the several attempts.

The result sees Great Olympics moving up to third on the Ghana Premier League table as Hearts of Oak drop to sixth.