Late strikes powers Hearts over Mirren

Accra, Nov.24, GNA - Two late strikes by Eric Gawu and Douglas Nkrumah powered Hearts of Oak to a 2-0 victory over debutants Sporting Mirren in their premiership opener at the Ohene Djan Stadium on Monday. The two goals came as a surprise to many after St.Mirren had dominated possession as Hearts struggled to play as a unit. The match, which rounds up the opening matches of the sponsor-less premier league was marred by a total blackout that held up play for almost 20 minutes in the early minutes of the second half.

Prior to that Hearts midfielder Charles Taylor was the brightest spot on the night, where the Phobians lacked quality, with several fruitless raids into the half of their hosts in the first session. After the restoration of power, Mirren took the game to the former league champions whose midfield was weakened by the absence of Kofi Abanga and Taylor as their replacements Francis Bossman and Joseph Tachie-Menson failed to match up.

Mirren, led by captain Frank Boateng, out-muscled the Phobians but lacked the cutting edge upfront. Hearts coach, Kosta Papic, introduced Felix Baffoe for Jonathan Tetteh in the 64th minute and the substitute pumped life into the team's attack.

With three minutes left, a loss in concentration by the Mirren defence gifted Gawu the opener from a close range. It was Baffoe who picked out Gawu with a fine pass that saw the former bringing the arena to life with a half volley that "kissed" the net.

With the Phobians cruising to a lone goal victory, Nkrumah increased the lead with curling shot from a corner-kick that beat Mirren goalie Muntari Tagoe on the stroke of full time.