Hearts of Oak clinched their very first win of the Ghana Premier League campaign after pipping Elmina Sharks FC at the Nduom Sports Complex on Wednesday.
Experienced midfielder Gladson Awako on his debut made the difference for the Phobians who recorded a 1-0 vital win to regain their confidence back.
Sharks new coach Mallam Yahaya made three changes to the squad that were beaten 1-0 by King Faisal Babes last Sunday in Kumasi.
Ebenezer Adu-Kwaw Boadi and Osuman Awudu came into the starting lineup by taking the places of captain Ishmael Hammond and experienced midfielder Daniel Nii Adjei.
Hearts welcomed back first-choice goalkeeper Richard Attah between the sticks after recovering from a sickness that ruled him out last time in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Ushau Abu earned his second start of the season when he replaced Salim Adams in the midfield whereas Enock Asubonteng also started for the first time.
Central defender Mohammed Alhassan also took back his place in the starting lineup after returning from suspension.
Awako was introduced in the match to make his first bow for the Phobians in the 64th minute having replaced Asubonteng.
The former Ghana U20 playmaker scored the match-winner with only eight minutes spent on the pitch, giving the Phobians their first three points of the season.
Awako announced his presence in the Rainbow colours with a scorching goal that took a slight deflection.
Hearts finished the game with ten men after Salifu Ibrahim was cautioned for the second time in the game with seven minutes to full-time.
The Phobians have moved out of the bottom place with the important victory as they have three games in hand.
