Debibi United secured a vital 1–0 victory over Hearts of Oak at Presby Park in Debibi, handing the Phobians a disappointing defeat in Matchweek 9 of the Ghana Premier League.

The hosts delivered a disciplined performance to claim all three points, with Sarkodie Demetrous scoring the decisive goal early in the second half to seal an important win against one of the league’s traditional heavyweights.

After a tightly contested first half ended goalless, Debibi United found the breakthrough in the 51st minute. Demetrous finished clinically to put the home side ahead, sparking celebrations among the supporters at Golden City Park.

Hearts of Oak responded by pushing forward in search of an equaliser, but they struggled to break through a resolute Debibi United defence. The hosts remained organised under pressure and held on until the final whistle to secure a hard-fought victory.

The result represents a significant boost for Debibi United, who moved out of the relegation zone with their third win of the campaign. The Bono-based side climbed to 13th place with 10 points from nine matches, having recorded three wins, one draw and five defeats.

For Hearts of Oak, the defeat represents a setback in their pursuit of the league title. The Phobians dropped to third on the standings with 17 points from nine matches, having registered five wins, two draws and two defeats.

The Accra-based giants now trail joint-leaders FC Samartex and Medeama SC by one point, leaving them with work to do to maintain pressure on the teams above them as the Ghana Premier League campaign progresses.