Accra Hearts of Oak brought Berekum Chelsea’s impressive ten-match unbeaten home run to an abrupt end with a narrow yet crucial 1-0 victory at the Berekum Golden City Park yesterday.

The game’s only goal came in the 56th minute courtesy of Mawuli Wayo, whose composed low finish punished a rare defensive lapse from the home side.

The strike proved enough to seal all three points for the Phobians in what was a tightly contested encounter.

The first half was a balanced affair with both sides struggling to create clear-cut opportunities. 

Chelsea, known for their solidity at home, matched Hearts toe-to-toe in midfield but failed to break down a resolute and disciplined Phobians backline.

Renewed strength

Hearts came out with renewed purpose after the break, increasing their attacking intensity and pressing higher up the pitch.

Their efforts paid off just over ten minutes into the second half when Wayo capitalised on a loose ball in the box to slot home the winner.

The win is, particularly, sweet for Hearts as it marks their third consecutive victory over Berekum Chelsea under the leadership of their former coach, Samuel Boadu, who now sits on the opposite bench.

It also extends Hearts of Oak’s unbeaten streak against Chelsea to ten matches, with the Blues' last win in this fixture dating back to 2019.

The result dents Berekum Chelsea’s hopes of finishing strongly this season and reinforces Hearts’ push for a top-half finish as the season nears its conclusion.