Ghana Premier League side Hearts of Oak suffered a narrow defeat to ten-man Nigerien top-flight side Sahel Sporting Club in an international friendly at Pobiman today.
[ads1]
The Rainbow giant suffered a 1-2 defeat to the Niamey based club who are in Ghana for their preseason.
Hearts of Oak begun the match on an encouraging form, which saw midfielder Emmanuel Mintah close to opening the scoreline for the home side but his free kick in the 23rd minute from a 35 yards hit the upright.
Ghanaian international Bright Korley opened the score for the visitors in the 25th minute of the match.
CHECK THIS: Hearts of Oak appoint a new Commercial Director
Coach Kik Grant was forced to make a change as he substituted injured Bernard Arthur for Mitchell Sarpong in the 34th minute of play.
The first half ended 0-1 in favor of the visitors.
[ads1]
Hearts of Oak returned from the recess with coach Kik Grant making two tactical changes as he replaced Robert Addo and Charles McCarthy with Kojo Bonney and Obeng Jnr respectively.
In just after a minute of being introduced into the game, substitute Kwadwo Obeng Jnr restored parity for the Phobians in the 46th minute of the fascinating encounter.
Bright Korley who netted the opener for the visitors, was shown the second yellow card, reducing Sahel’ men to ten.
In the 76th minute, Moucthar Yacouba shots in well taken free kick from the left side of the attack to send Sahel SC to the lead again.
[ads1]
Hearts of Oak bounced back to dominate, trying everything possible to get the equalizer and the probably the match winner.
Coach Kim Grant continued to throw more men to the game as Emmanuel Mintah, Kofi Kordzi and Aminu Alhassan were brought out for Anthony Quayson, Enock Addy and Samuel McCarthy respectively.
The game eventually ended 1-2 in favor of the 13 times Niger Premier League and FA Cup Champions.
[ads1]