Debibi United end Hearts of Oak’s winning run with narrow victory

Hearts of Oak’s three-match winning streak came to an end following a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Debibi United at the Debibi Presby Park.

Sarkodie Demetrous scored the decisive goal in the 51st minute to hand the Premier League debutants a valuable victory and lift them out of the relegation zone.

The defeat is a setback for the Phobians, who missed the opportunity to extend their winning run and dropped to third in the league standings.

Hearts started brightly, with Kader coming close to breaking the deadlock in the eighth minute after receiving a pass from Hussein. The forward beat his marker before unleashing a shot, but the Debibi goalkeeper reacted well to push the effort behind for a corner.

Debibi also threatened at the other end, but Hearts goalkeeper Benjamin Asare demonstrated his quality in the 13th minute with an outstanding save to deny the home side what appeared to be a certain goal.

The visitors continued to search for an opening, with Kader playing an influential role in their attacking moves.

In the 33rd minute, he released Emmanuel Amankwah, whose cross into the penalty area was dealt with by the Debibi defence.

Hearts suffered an injury setback shortly after the break, with Martin Karikari replacing Kader in the 46th minute.

Five minutes later, however, the hosts broke the deadlock through Sarkodie Demetrous, whose 51st-minute strike put Debibi United in front.

Hearts responded with a double substitution in the 57th minute, introducing Raphael Amponsah and Duku for Karim and Hussein as they sought a way back into the contest.

Debibi nearly doubled their advantage in the 60th minute when a ball was lifted over the Hearts defence, but Asare produced another timely intervention to keep the Phobians in the game.

Hearts continued to push for an equaliser, with Asmah setting up Baafi in the 68th minute, only for the Debibi goalkeeper to intervene and extinguish the threat.

Felix Otoboa replaced Emmanuel Amankwah in the 76th minute as Hearts made another attacking change in search of a breakthrough.

The visitors intensified their efforts in the closing stages, and Duku attempted to find Antwi with a delivery in the 81st minute, but the Debibi defence stood firm.

Despite five minutes of additional time, Hearts could not find a way past the hosts, who held on to secure a memorable 1-0 victory.

The result ends Hearts of Oak’s three-match winning streak, while Debibi United move out of the relegation zone with an important three points.