Ghanaian giants Hearts of Oak slipped into the relegation zone for the first time in many years thanks to Sampson Cudjoe’s first half strike for struggling AshGold that secured their 1-0 win in Obuasi on Wednesday January 19.

A woeful first half was characterised by a poor miss from Douglas Nkrumah, who managed to miss the target from eight yards.

Hearts claimed their dangerously inconsistent side were lifted by last week’s win over Berekum Arsenal but there was little evidence of that against the Miners as the visitors struggled for cohesion during a poor game.

With AshGold in turmoil following the departure of Coach David Duncan on Tuesday, claims of disarray in the team looked to carry real weight amid the sloppy technique on display at the Len Clay Stadium.

But that theory will provide zero consolation to Hearts fans, who are watching a team which won the Africa Champions League and the Confederation Cup over the past decade plumb new depths.

What makes it even more painful for the Hearts fans is that they are celebrating their 100th anniversary this year.

Hearts have now taken only 22 league points from a possible 57 available after 19 matches played in the league.

Meanwhile, Kotoko jumped to the sixth position after their 3-1 win over bottom side BA Stars in Kumasi.

Samad Oppong opened the scoring for Kotoko with Michael Akuffo scoring from a spot kick before Awal Mohammed wrapped it up.

Match-day-19 Results

Heart of Lions 1 – 0 King Faisal

Mighty Jets 1 – 0 Aduana Stars

Liberty 2 – 1 Edubiase FC

All Stars 2 – 0 Chelsea

Arsenals 1 – 0 Real Tamale United

Dwarfs 1 – 2 Kessben FC

AshantiGold 1-0 Hearts of Oak

Asante Kotoko 3-1 B.A. Stars