Great Olympics produced a vintage performance to overcome rivals Hearts of Oak 2-0 in the Mantse derby on Saturday.
Great Olympics had not beaten their city adversaries for seventeen years hence the onus were on them to end that unwanted record.
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The Dade lads showed enough in the opening exchanges against the Phobians and nearly got the initiative through Maxwell Abbey but goalkeeper Richmond Ayi was alert to the situation.
Hearts of Oak came into the game there on but couldn’t pose threat to their opponents.
In the 14th minute, Great Olympics were handed a contentious free-kick on the edge of the box after Nuru Sulley was adjudged to have tucked the shirt of Maxwell Abbey.
Yaw Preko’s men made the most out of the resultant free kick as captain Gladson Awako lofted his shot past the human wall to beat goalkeeper Ayi at his near post.
Great Olympics quickly made it 2-0 courtesy Maxwell Abbey in the 17th minute. The forward was beautifully teed up by his younger brother Samuel Ashie-Quaye.
Hearts of Oak went close to reducing the deficit in the 43rd minute but Nuru Sulley’s header went just wide before referee Charles Bulu blew his whistle for the end of the first stanza.
The Rainbow club came out all guns blazing and nearly scored through Victor Aidoo but the striker’s thumping header was parried over the bar by goalkeeper xxx.
Kosta Papic’s side didn’t relent as they kept piling the pressure on the visitors.
The game was halted for a brief period after the flood lights at the stadium went off.
The hosts continued to probe for a goal but the steady defense of the Dade Boys stood to the test.
Hearts of Oak thought they have secured a penalty in the 72nd minute after Samuel Ashie clipped the heels of Raddy Ovouka but referee Bulu waved off their call.
Great Olympics went close to extending their lead but Maxwell Abbey couldn’t keep his audacious chip under the bar.
Olympics held on to break the 17-year winless jinx against their greatest rivals.
The result saw Olympics jump to 3rd on the standings with 18 points, whiles Hearts of Oak dropping down to 6th with 16 points from 11 games.
Source: Ghanasocernet.com