Match Report: Proud United score late to deny Hearts win in pre-season friendly

Accra Hearts Of Oak were held by lower-tier side Proud United in a 2-2 draw in their latest pre-season friendly on Wednesday afternoon.

The match which formed part of the Phobians’ preparations ahead of the 2020-21 Ghana Premier League was played at the Glow Lamp Academy Park near Cape Coast in the Central Region.

An impressive second-half performance by Proud United denied Hearts a victory in a 2-2 draw on the afternoon.

Michelle Sarpong and Emmanuel Nettey scored for Hearts in the first half but a rejuvenated Proud United equalised through Adjaho and Amoo.

Coach Edward Nii Odoom named a strong starting eleven, with Benjamin Yeboah in posts. He was protected by a back four of Larry Sumaila, Raddy Ovouka, Nuru Sulley andMohammed Alhassan.

Emmanuel Nettey, Lawali Mamane, Frederick Ansah Botch played in the middle with Patrick Razak, Kojo Obeng Jnr, Mitchell Sarpong leading the attack in a 4-3-3 system.

The fixture which replaced their earlier advertised game against fellow Premier League side Medeama saw Michelle Sarpong opening the scoring in the 24th minute, and midfielder Emmanuel Nettey making it 2-0 with 3 minutes left before the break.

Immediately after recess, an improved Proud United pulled one back in the 49th minute through Adjaho.

Coach Odoom made changes in the second half with the following substitutions: Eric Dizan replaced Michelle Sarpong with Dominic Eshun coming on for Patrick Razak. Manaf Umar also replaced Frederick Ansah Botchway while Daniel Yeboah took the place of Kojo Obeng Jnr.

Both sides tried to control the game with Proud United dominating.

The lower-tier side scored on the 90th minute through Amoo to share spoils with the Rainbow Club.

Last Sunday, Proud United fought out a thrilling battle with Medeama SC at Tarkwa in a similar encounter which they lost 3-4.
Proud United, as expected provided very good opposition for Hearts of Oak today as the two sides gear bup for the start of the 2020-21 Ghana football season.

Hearts of Oak will play another friendly on Thursday at the same venue with Ghana Premier League (GPL) side, Elmina Sharks expected to provide the opposition.

The Phobians will open their account in next season’s GPL campaign with an away encounter against Aduana Stars at Dormaa on Saturday, November 15, 2020.


Hearts Starting line-up :

Benjamin Nana Yeboah(GK) – Larry Sumaila, Raddy Ovouka, Nuru Sulley, Mohammed Alhassan -Emmanuel Nettey, Lawali Maman e, Frederick Ansah Botchway – Patrick Razak, Kojo Obeng Jnr, Michelle Sarpong