Hearts of Oak soared into second place in the Ghana Premier League, narrowly defeating Samartex 1-0 in a tense Friday clash at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon.

Samartex almost silenced the home crowd within two minutes as Christian Agyenim Boateng pounced on Abdul Karim’s mistake, only for his shot to ricochet off goalkeeper Solomon Agbasi and keep Hearts unscathed.

Hearts answered with urgency. Mawuli Wayo squandered a golden opportunity in the fourth minute, blasting over the bar, but soon redeemed himself. He pressed Roland Grippman into a costly error, seized the ball in the box, and set up Hamza Issah, who slotted home with composure to put Hearts ahead.

The match slowed after the opener, but Hearts continued to press forward. Samartex keeper Moses Zakari kept his team alive with a superb 28th-minute save, stretching to tip away Martin Karikari’s curling shot. The Phobians held their slender lead into halftime as Samartex searched in vain for a response.

After the break, Hearts pushed relentlessly for a second. George Paaku sent a promising shot just wide, and Theophilus Collison’s inventive lob grazed the roof of the net. Samartex mounted brief threats but faltered with their finishing touch.

Hearts stood resolute to clinch a crucial win, climbing to 28 points and drawing level with leaders Aduana, who face Young Apostles on Sunday.