Hearts of Oak lifted the Ghana FA Cup for a record 12th time after coming from behind to beat Bechem United 2-1 in the final of the 2021/22 edition at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium Sunday evening.
The game was locked 0-0 up until the 44th minute when striker Emmanuel Avornyo pounced on a loose ball to give the dominant Hunters a deserved lead after Hearts goalkeeper Richmond Ayi pushed the ball into his path from an initial strike by Augustine Okrah.
Emmanuel Avornyo puts his name on the score sheet.@HeartsOfOakGH 0-1 @BechemUnitedFC
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— StarTimes Ghana (@startimesghana) June 26, 2022
But the Phobians ensured they would equalize before recess.
Consistent pressure from the right saw Samuel Inkoom pick out an unmarked Caleb Amankwah and the centre-back beautifully smashed home with a perfect volley in the fift minute of added time.
Caleb Amankwah with the equalizer@HeartsOfOakGH 1-1 @BechemUnitedFC
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— StarTimes Ghana (@startimesghana) June 26, 2022
Both teams would go into the break on even terms.
Cometh the hour mark, birthday boy Daniel Afriyie Barnieh gave Hearts a 2-1 lead, exquisitely connecting to a cross from the left by midfielder Gladson Awako.
Daniel Afriyie Barnieh with the superb finish@HeartsOfOakGH 2-1 @BechemUnitedFC
Showing live on ST Adepa Ch. 247 & StarTimes ON App 📲https://t.co/rZyMN2zAch#FACuponStarTimes #StarTimesSports #StarTimes #Ghana #MTNFACup pic.twitter.com/Cj9WSJdjUX
— StarTimes Ghana (@startimesghana) June 26, 2022
Bechem were reduced to 10 men in the 66th minute when their most influential player Okrah received the marching orders for a careless and silly headbutt of the assistant referee.
Hearts held on to the 2-1 lead until the final whistle from referee Latif Adaari.
It is a successful title defence for coach Samuel Boadu who guided the side to win the FA Cup last season where they beat AshantiGold on penalties.
The FA Cup triumph earns Hearts of Oak Ghana’s sole ticket to the 2022/23 Caf Confederation Cup.
