Mahatma wins President's Cup for Hearts
Hearts striker Mahatma Otoo yesterday erased all doubts that he is Accra Hearts of Oak’s most valuable player when he powered the Phobians to a 2-0 win over Medeama SC to secure his side’s third President’s Cup at the Accra Sports Stadium.
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The reigning goal-king scored a brace, the first goal in 110 seconds followed by another deadly strike in the 18th minute to confirm his credentials as the most dreaded striker in the country and also ensure Hearts ended their season on a high.
A much hyped encounter played in the presence of President John Dramani Mahama, who reportedly gave a directive to for thousands of fans to be allowed free entry into the stadium, the match did not fail to thrill the sparse crowd at the stadium.
Hearts, which defeated DR Congo aside TP Mazembe last Friday to reach the final, looked very businesslike fight from kickoff and got an advantage barely two minutes into the match when Medeama’s Joseph Halm handled the ball outside the penalty box. Otoo drilled home a powerful drive from the resultant free-kick to give the Phobians an early lead and set the tone for fierce exchanges subsequently.
Medeama took charge of affairs and pounded the Hearts defence with incessant attacks in search of the equaliser but defenders Robin Gnagne, Moro Abubakar and Abrazziz Abakwa were solid in the Hearts rear and provided a good cover for goalkeeper Tetteh Luggard.
In the 18th minute agile defender Gnagne initiated a solo effort from the wings into the opponents’ box, flighted a low cross into the path of slippery Otoo who flicked the ball past goalkeeper Halm into the top left corner of the net.
Undaunted by a two-goal deficit within the first 20 minutes, Medeama continued to pile up pressure on Hearts but their veteran striker Kabiru Moro lacked ball control and sharpness to break through the tight defence of the home side.
After recess the Tarkwa-based side continued their onslaught and made early incursions into their opponent’s box but was wasteful in their hunt for a goal, with substitute striker Tanko Mohammed, who replaced misfiring Moro, missing fine scoring chances.
Hearts were given the hammer that could have drill the final nail in the visitors’ coffin when Ashittey Olleenu was brought down in the penalty box to earn them a spot kick in the 60th minute. To the dismay of Hearts fans, Gnagne’s kick shot hit the post and bounced back into play to leave Medeama with a faint hope of fighting back.
Congolese side Mazembe defeated Enugu Rangers of Nigeria 2-0 to finish third in the four-team tournament.
Before kickoff, President Mahama applauded the organisers of the tournament and charged them to do more to grow and develop the game by forming a formidable partnership among neighbouring countries to ensure such competitions were played more frequently to foster unity in the sub-region.
It was a moment of pride for two-goal hero and Hearts captain Otoo when he was presented with the trophy by President Mahama amidst jubilation by the Hearts faithful in the stands.
By Kwame Larweh/Ghana
