Hearts of Oak had a poor start to the new year, failing to move into second place in the Ghana Premier League after a sluggish defensive performance resulted in a 2-1 loss to Bechem United in Cape Coast.
The Phobians went into the game knowing that a win would move them above rivals Asante Kotoko into second place on the table, but they were poor in the first half, conceding two goals in seven minutes, and could only score a consolation goal when they improved in the second half.
Bechem United took the lead in the sixth minute when Cephas Mantey beat the offside trap and drilled a low effort past Richmond Ayi, and Hafiz Konkoni doubled the lead seven minutes later with a close-range effort.
There was more action in the second half, with Robert Addo Sowah scoring after two red cards. Hearts of Oak midfielder Enock Asubonteng was sent off for two bookable offences before Joseph Kinful was shown the red card for time wasting.
The defeat is Hearts of Oak’s first under Serbian trainer Slavko Matic, who was appointed in mid-October 2022, and it leaves the Phobians fourth.
Bechem United and Hearts of Oak are tied on 16 points, but the Hunters are fifth in the table.