Yaw Preko Praises Fringe Players

The assistant coach of Accra Hearts of Oak, Yaw Preko has heaped praises on the fringe players in the team after their victory over Wassaman United.

The Phobians walked smoothly in the last 32 teams in the MTN FA Cup after a convincing 3-0 win over Division One side, Wassaman United at the Accra sports stadium on Sunday.

And Preko was happy the players who have not had much minutes on the pitch in the ongoing Ghana Premier League.

“Most of the players were making their competitive debut this season and they did not disappoint. They struggled a bit but quickly hit their stride and delivered.

“The first 20-24 minutes was difficult. We knew the match was going to be difficult but we did not give up,” Preko said.

The output of the players according tPreko, is a good indication that there massive competition for place in the team.

“We need competition in the team. Those who didn’t play today must know that it’s not a one man team. If you sleep your place may be taken by another.” He warned.

Kenneth Okoro scored twice, one in each half to help the team qualify to the last 32 teams and Preko also singled youngster out for praise.

“Kenneth has what it takes but it’s unfortunate he has been hit with constant injuries. I was not surprise with goals he scored because he does it in training.”

Yaw Preko Praises Fringe Players

MTN FA Cup Match Report: Hearts Hammer Wassaman

Accra Hearts of Oak extended their blistering start in the 2015/16 Ghana Premier League to the MTN FA Cup by beating Wassaman United 3-0 on  Sunday.

The dominant Phobians were led by assistant coach Yaw Preko for the Football Association’ s Cup competition at the Accra Sports Stadium in the absence of head coach, Kenichi Yatsuhashi.

Yaw Preko did not disappoint his boss as the team he chose rose to the occasion to open their start in the cup campaign with a super performance. Goals from Kenneth Okoro and Kwame Kizito were enough to brighten the road to this MTN FA Cup competition for the Phobians.

Hearts dominated every aspect of the game and their dominance did not end in vain. The first opportunity fell the way of Hearts but before Kwame Kizito could shoot, the the flag went up for offside.

Wassaman United who started the game with a counter-attacking approach,  bombed down the right side of the Hearts defense but Hopson Acquah over hit his high cross which went off target.

The Phobians took advantage of Wassaman’s reluctance to open  up the game and punished them when they dozed off.

A long swinging cross into the box by Owusu Bempah caught the Wassaman defence standing aloof, and Kenneth Okoro rose above them and powered the ball low beyond the reach of the goalkeeper to open the scoring on the 35th minute mark.

Three minutes later Kwame Kizito doubled the advantage for the 2000 CAF Champions League winners with a thumping header.

The two quick goals killed off Wassaman United who failed to respond in the second half, allowing the former league champions to hold onto the lead whilst lurking around for another.

Hearts of Oak enjoyed themselves and also entertained their fans in the stadium. Cosmos Dauda could have made it three after 52 minutes but his effort from close range was feeble to beat the goalkeeper.

The third goal finally arrived in added time when last week’s hero, Ibrahim Musah ghosted past the Wassaman United backline after a brilliant interplay with Kenneth Okoro, who powered home to nail the coffin on the visitors and send the Phobians to the last 32 of the competition.

MTN FA Cup Match Report: Hearts Hammer Wassaman