On Saturday, March 11, 2023, Accra Hearts of Oak scrambled late to earn a point against Bibiani Gold Stars at Dun’s Park.
Hearts of Oak’s Isaac Mensah came off the bench to head in the equalizer, maintaining the Phobians’ perfect record versus the Miners.
Gold Stars got out to a strong start, taking the lead through Evans Owusu after only six minutes of play.
After a good buildup from the back, Owusu scored from a cross that was tried from the right.
The home team maintained its lead throughout the first half and headed out of the tunnel hoping to defeat the Rainbow team for the first time.
Hearts of Oak made numerous good chances in the second half to knock on the door in search of the equalizer.
After receiving a square ball within the box in the 52nd minute, Kwadwo Obeng Junior came close to restoring parity, but his effort was blocked.
A few minutes later, Enone Dieudonne was given a clear shot at goal, but he failed to convert because of poor execution in a one-on-one match with the goalie.
With 15 minutes remaining, Dieudonne was given another chance, but this time his shot struck Samuel Amofa’s hand in the area as the players cried out for a penalty.
After lengthy discussions with his linesman, the referee decided not to give the penalty because Amofa was attempting to block the shot when the ball first struck his hand and then his leg.
After combining from a free kick, replacements Isaac Mensah and Salifu Ibrahim gave the visitors an equalizer in the 99th minute.
Mensah expertly connected Salifu’s lavish cross from just outside the area to give the Phobians a much-needed victory point.
Hearts Oak has gone four games without losing against Gold Stars. In the three prior meetings, they had won each one.
Hearts of Oak go up to fourth position with 32 points thanks to the tie, while Bibiani Gold Stars move up to sixth place with 31 points.
