Accra Hearts of Oak returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Basake Holy Stars in their Ghana Premier League encounter at the AAK Sports Arena in Ampain yesterday.

The Phobians, who were held to a 2–2 draw by defending champions Bibiani Gold Stars in their previous match at the Accra Sports Stadium, went into the game determined to bounce back and climb up the league table.

It was, however, a difficult afternoon for the visitors as Holy Stars proved resilient and organised, forcing Hearts to work hard for their win.

Hearts dominance

After a cagey opening half-hour, Hearts gradually took control of possession and began to create chances. Their persistence paid off just before halftime when forward Frank Abora Duku kept his composure to convert a penalty, handing the visitors a slim 1–0 lead at the break.

Hearts continued to dominate after the restart and doubled their advantage in the 59th minute through in-form striker Hamza Issah, who finished brilliantly to notch his fourth goal of the season.

The goal seemed to have sealed the contest, but Holy Stars refused to give up. Their determination was rewarded in the 68th minute when captain Issah Yakubu scored from the spot to reduce the deficit to 2–1.

The hosts mounted late pressure in search of an equaliser, but the Phobians’ defence, marshalled by Caleb Amankwah and Kofi Agbesimah, stood firm to preserve the lead until the final whistle.