Hearts knocked out of MTN FA Cup by Nania FC in Round 64

Accra Hearts of Oak lost their first competitive match at the Pobiman Sports Complex as they were booted out of this year’s MTN FA Cup by Division One League side Nania FC.
 
After regulation time ended goalless, it was Nania FC who prevailed 4-3 on penalties, sending the FA record-holder Hearts out of the competition to progress to the round of 32.
 
Hearts coach Abdul Rahim Bashiru made a few changes to his side, with goalkeeper Richard Attah, Obeng Junior, and Abdul Aziz Nurudeen making the start.
  
Hearts of Oak were very much in control at the start, and Obeng Junior had the game’s very first chance but skewed his effort wide.
 
The Phobians kept their opponent on the back for the majority of the first half, but Nania FC goalkeeper Abass Moro pulled off some brilliant saves to keep the game scoreless.
 
The Division One League side gave a good account of themselves on sleek turf on Pobiman as they curtailed attacking threats from the Phobians.
 
The likes of Seidu Suraj and Ramos Kashala came on late in the second half to try and change things for the Phobians, but the Nania defence stood firm at the end of 90 minutes and sent the game to extra time.
 
Richard Attah made three saves in the penalty shootouts, but it was not enough as Nania goalkeeper Moro made four to keep his side in the competition and progress to the next round.
GNA