By Simon Asare, GNA
Accra, June 20, GNA – Four second half goals from Accra Hearts of Oak ensured they edged division two side Windy Professionals to move into the Round of 16 of this year’s MTN FA Cup.
Goals from Daniel Afriyie Barnieh, Emmanuel Nettey, Benjamin Afutu and Abdul Manaf ensured an emphatic victory for the Phobians while Vicent Mobilla grabbed the consolation goal for the third tier side.
Windy Professionals didn’t show any nerve at the start of the game as they looked the more likely side to get the opener.
Hearts were in control of the game and should have been at least four goals ahead with a quarter of the game played but Patrick Razak, Afriyie Barnieh and Obeng Junior couldn’t convert thier clear cut chances.
Windy Professionals goalkeeper Abubakar Ahmed Sowah was splendid in the post for the away side and produced a spectacular save to deny Afriyie Barnieh past the half hour mark.
Windy Professionals attacker Vicent Mobilla nearly took the lead against the run off play but Hearts goalkeeper Richard Attah dealt with the situation very calmly.
The pressure from Hearts was relentless but were very wasteful in attack as Windy Professionals denied the Phobians the opener in the first half.
It was a confident start from the second division side in the second half but Hearts deservedly took the lead in the 51st minute through Daniel Afriyie Barnieh who struck home from close range after a beautiful pass from Obeng Junior.
Emmanuel Nettey doubled the lead for the Phobians four minutes later with a tap in from close range after Afriyie Barnieh run past Windy Professionals goalkeeper to set up his colleague.
Windy Professionals responded in quick fashion as Vicent Mobilla pulled one back for the away side after some poor defensive play by Hearts Caleb Amankwah.
Windy Professionals surprisingly took control of the game past the half hour mark as they searched for the equalizer with some very impressive attacking play.
Benjamin Afutu grabbed the third goal for Hearts in the 70th minute with a ferecious header from close range after a delightful cross from Captain Fatawu Mohammed.
Substitute Abdul Manaf scored the fourth goal for Hearts in the 78th minute with a composed finish from close range after Fatawu Mohammed once again delivered a superb cross into the goal area.
Hearts seemed content with their three goal cushion as they held on to secure the emphatic victory over the division two side.
