Hearts & Kotoko falter in group opener

Accra Hearts of Oak stuttered in their opening Group B game in the CAF Champions League when they lost 2-0 at home to two-time African champions, Enyimba of Nigeria.

Meanwhile, A penalty from debutant Cheikh Oumar Dabo gave JS Kabylie of Algeria a winning start to their opening African Champions League Group A match as they edged Ghana's Asante Kotoko 1-0 in Algiers on Sunday.

Hearts of Oak who were bent on rekindling the spirit of the year 2000 which saw the club annex its first ever continental title, when they won the Champions League title failed to reproduce the form that saw them rule Africa.

Enyimba FC opened the scoring in the 13th minute through Joseph Amadi who grazed the ball with the head from a corner kick to beat Laud Quartey in post. And the Obuasi Len Clay stadium went quiet.

Hearts of Oak?s attempts at finding the equalizer failed as the Nigerian side proved too strong in defence for the Phobian attack.

Enyimba held onto the solitary goal lead to the first half.

The second resumed with Hearts of Oak forcing for the equalizer but their opponents stood tall in defence.

Enyimba FC occasionally threatened the Phobians relying on the counter attack.

But with fifteen minute to end proceedings, Hearts of Oak earned a penalty.

Defender Dan Quaye stepped up to effect the kick and saw his strike beat the Enyimba goalkeeper for the equalizer but Hearts of Oak?s celebration was cut short as the referee awarded a re-kick.

Dan Quaye this time saw his kick saved by the goalkeeper.

The Phobians looked frustrated after that save and struggled to find push through the opponents defence.

An attack by Hearts with ten minutes to go was cut in midfield and the Nigeria?s quickly responded by initiating a move on the right side of the Phobian defence which resulted in the second goal.

A short across goal was mistakenly hit into the Hearts of Oak post by defender, Kwabena Boafo in his attempt to clear the ball.

For the Phobians, the die was cast after that all important goal by the Nigerians as they appeared to have given up completely till the final whistle was blown for the end of the game