Hearts of Oak responded impressively to their narrow defeat against rivals Asante Kotoko by outclassing Berekum Chelsea 3-1 at the University of Ghana on Saturday, firmly placing themselves in contention for the Ghana Premier League title.

The Phobians handed goalkeeper Sharif Shuaib his first start of the season, stepping in for Benjamin Asare, who is on international duty with the Black Galaxies ahead of their 2024 CHAN qualifier against Nigeria.

Ahmed Ramzy Yussif opened the scoring for Hearts of Oak in the 16th minute with a well-taken finish. Striker Hamza Issah doubled the lead early in the second half, finding the net in the 50th minute.

Berekum Chelsea mounted a brief fightback, with Emmanuel Sarpong pulling one back for the visitors. However, Kwabena Boateng restored Hearts' two-goal cushion just two minutes later with a composed finish in the 62nd minute.

The victory lifts Hearts of Oak to 5th place on the league table with 22 points, just two points behind leaders Heart of Lions, keeping their title ambitions alive as the season approaches its midway point.