Accra Hearts of Oak pipped Dreams FC by a lone goal in the Normalisation Committee Special Competition on Sunday despite being outplayed by the visitors.

Dreams FC started brightly pegging Hearts of Oak into their own half and dictating the pace of the game.

The first chance of the game fell to striker Richard Addai but after soaring high above Hearts of Oak defender Alhassan Mohammed, his header missed the target by inches.

Hearts of Oak nearly took the lead against the run of play in the 24th minute when Joseph Esson spectacularly lob from a William Dankyi corner took a ricochet of the upright.

The pendulum of fortune swung in favour of Hearts of Oak as they came strongly into the game.

Dreams FC goalkeeper Isaac Amoako pulled two stupendous saves in the 37th and 38th minute respectively to deny the Phobians the lead.

Both clubs held their fort and defended gallantly until the refereee blew his whistle for the end of the first half with the scores still goalles.

Hearts of Oak coach Kim Grant brought on Benjamin Afutu for the inefficient Malik Akowuah and it nearly yielded dividends with the Phobians maintaining possession in the early stages of the second half.

Kwadwo Obeng junior gave Hearts of Oak the lead in the 48th minute after he capitalised on a defensive error to weave his way into the Dreams box before placing the ball beyond the reach of goalkeeper Isaac Amoako.

The Phobians stamped their authority in the game and had three glorious chances in sequence but with goalkeeper Isaac Amoako at their mercy, Kofi Kordzi and Joseph Esson missed them all.

With the game turning to a midfield action, Dreams FC manager Juha Pasoja brought on Samuel Nii Armah Ashiettey to solidify the middle.

Hearts of Oak had another clear chance in the 69th minute with Kofi Kordzi having Isaac Amoako to beat, the striker just blasted his effort off target to the disappointment of the fans.

Eric Gawu beautifully eluded his marker and found Richard Addai with a superb cross in the 78th minute but the striker shot over the bar with Hearts of Oak keeper Richmknd Ayi crushing him.

With just eleven minutes to the end of game, Dreams FC made an attacking change bringing on Michael Amoh for Kwadwo Asamoah whilst Hearts of Oak also brought in Umar Manaf for Fatawu Mohammed.

Dreams FC kept pushing with Michael Amoh causing problems for the Phobians back four with his pace and artistry.

Dreams FC threw in their last card and it was another attacking change. Winger Samuel Pimpong came in for Kingsley Owusu.

Michael Agbekornu operated as right back with Pimpong moving to the wings.

Dreams kept pushing for the equalizer but the Phobians defended excellently as the referee blew his whistle for the end of the game.