A second-half volley by Nations FC defender Razak Simpson consigned Hearts of Oak to their seventh loss in the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League.
The outstanding Matchday 21 game took place at the Tuba Astro Turf after the Phobians were denied usage of the Accra Sports Stadium for their home game following a closure of the University of Ghana Sports Stadium for renovations.
Coach Aboubakar Ouattara went into Thursday’s game on the back of a three-match winless streak.
With in-form goalkeeper Benjamin Asare not named in the matchday squad, questions were raised about Coach Ouattara’s choice of Kwesi Nketiah.
A set-piece in the 65th minute saw Simpson unmarked about 25 yards out.
He struck a volley for which Nketiah had no answer to.
The goal became the difference as the Kumasi-based side picked all the three points.
“All the times we have a corner kick, coach will instruct me to go in to head the ball,” the Black Stars defender explained after the game.
“So, I was part of the players who head the ball. But I saw that anytime we go, they head the ball back to the center where I shot it. So, I decided to stay this time around and I anticipate the ball and when it came I took my chance.”
He announced his target for this season as he continues his hardwork in the league.
“I have a target. Last season I scored about three goals and this season I have scored four, so I have a target and at the end of the season we will see the number of goals I will score.”
The win sends Nations FC into the top 4 of the League while the Phobians drop to sixth, for the first time in about two months.
The Phobians have another tough game on Sunday as they host former champions Medeama SC, who are just above them on the log.
Nations FC go back home to welcome Karela FC in their next game.
