Isaac Mensah’s solitary goal secures first leg win for Hearts of Oak in champions league

Accra Hearts of Oak have taken a 1-0 lead against Wydad AC in their Caf champions league second preliminary round encounter.

Playing at home, the Phobians worked to secure a good win in order to lessen the task ahead in Morroco and it was Isaac Mensah who gave the Accra-based side the advantage on the 40th-minute mark.

Isaac Mensah connected to a cross from Salifu Ibrahim to power home the goal that would end up being the winner in the match. Samuel Boadu’s men had several other chances to score but could not convert them and were also denied by the brilliance of Ahmed Reda in between the sticks for Wydad.

Kofi Kordzi had a good effort at goal saved by Reda 14 minutes into the second half. The incursions into the Emperor’s box provided no better results and Hearts of Oak ended up just being able to hold onto the one-goal lead and also getting head coach, Samuel Boadu a yellow card for his reactions on the touchlines.

With only the lone Hearts of Oak goal separating the two sides, Wydad pushed for the equalizer and looked to have had one late on in second-half added time but for the assistant referee’s flag that choked it off for offside.

Hearts of Oak will face the Morrocan side on Sunday, October 24, away in Morroco. The winner of the two-leg encounter progresses to the group stage of the Champions of League.

By: Clifford Adumbire | myactiveonline.com