Accra Hearts of Oak clinched the 2024 Gbese Mantse Homowo Charity Peace Cup, triumphing over Kpando Heart of Lions 8-7 in a tense penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
The match kicked off with Ga Gbese Mantse Nii Ayi-Bonte II performing the ceremonial kickoff.
Hearts, under coach Aboubakar Ouattara, fielded a squad with eight new signings, including goalkeeper Benjamin Asare and striker Kwame Boateng.
Yahaya Adramani, Mawuli Wayo and former Asante Kotoko defender Patrick Asmah were all handed starting roles.
Lions, led by coach Bashiru Hayford, started strong, with Kwadwo Obeng Jr. scoring against his former club inside three minutes after kick-off.
Despite several attempts, the Phobians couldn’t find the net in the first half.
The second half saw Hearts intensify their attacks, but Lions’ goalkeeper Lawrence Osei denied them repeatedly.
With two minutes remaining, substitute Mohammed Hussein equalised after Ransford Mensah’s free-kick hit the framework.
The match proceeded to penalties, where Hearts emerged victorious 8-7, securing the cup in a thrilling conclusion.
Credit: Ghanasoccernet