Accra Hearts of Oak clinched victory in a dramatic penalty shootout, defeating Kpando Heart of Lions 8-7 to win the inaugural Gbese Mantse Homowo Peace Charity Cup at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The match, which ended 1-1 after regular time, captivated the fans with its intense action and competitive spirit. Organized as part of the Homowo celebrations to promote peace and harmony ahead of the 2024 general elections, the charity match drew a large and enthusiastic crowd.

Gbese Mantse Nii Ayibonte II, the visionary behind the event, kicked off the match, which saw both teams battling hard for the trophy. The Lions struck first, with Kwadwo Obeng Jr., a former Hearts player, scoring a stunning goal just 10 minutes into the game. His left-footed shot from a corner kick found the top corner, giving the Lions a 1-0 lead.

Hearts of Oak soon began to find their rhythm, with Mawuli Wayo coming close to scoring but failing to convert his chances. The Lions continued to threaten but couldn’t add to their lead, as Hearts’ defenders and goalkeeper Lawrence Osei stood firm.

After the break, Hearts intensified their attacks, but Lions’ goalkeeper remained vigilant, keeping the scoreline unchanged. Hearts’ persistence paid off in the 88th minute when Saani Mohammed scored the equalizer from a well-placed free-kick by Ransford Mensah, sending the game to a thrilling conclusion.

In the penalty shootout, Bismark Anim missed a crucial penalty for the Lions, while Hearts of Oak confidently converted all their attempts. Yahaya Adramani, Mawuli Wayo, Ransford Mensah, Oppong Afrane, Raphael Amponsah, Saani Mohammed, Ahmad Ramzy Yussif, and Benjamin Asare, who scored the decisive penalty, ensured Hearts’ triumph and the capture of the Gbese Mantse Homowo Peace Charity Cup.