Premier League heavyweights, Accra Hearts of Oak, delivered a scintillating second-half performance to defeat Ghana Immigration FC 4-0 in their MTN FA Cup clash at Pobiman Hearts Park yesterday.

Hearts, under the guidance of Coach Aboubakar Ouattara, fielded a largely rotated squad, opting to rest key players.

The decision seemed to backfire initially as the first half ended goalless, with the fringe players struggling to break through Immigration’s compact defense.

Renewed intensity 

The second half, however, was a different story. Hearts returned with renewed intensity and finally found the breakthrough in the 55th minute through Martin Karikari, who calmly slotted home to give the Premier League side the lead.

Ghana Immigration FC responded by pushing forward in search of an equaliser but were undone by Hearts’ superior attacking quality. Mawuli Wayo doubled the lead in the 64th minute and struck again just six minutes later to extend the margin to 3-0.

As the game neared its end, Stephen Appiah added a fourth goal in the 87th minute, ensuring a resounding victory for Hearts.

Despite a late push for a consolation goal by Ghana Immigration, Hearts’ defence held firm, keeping a clean sheet and sealing their progression to the Round of 32.