Hearts of Oak coach Frank Nuttall has saluted his players for their ‘’good performance’’ in GHALCA G8 semi-final victory over Kotoko.

Nuttal was left elated after his side progressed to the final following a hard-fought win against fierce-rivals Kotoko at the Baba Yara stadium.

A goalless stalemate after regulation time meant the winner had to be decided via penalty shootout and Hearts won thanks to the exploits of goalkeeper Ben Mensah.

Mensah saved the Porcupine Warriors’ two penalties and that was enough for the Phobians to book a final date.

Full Report: Hearts beat Kotoko to book GHALCA G8 final date

“It’s another well-fought game by both sides especially when you consider it being a preseason game and both sets of players really worked very hard for the club and that is the right intensity we looking for in preseason,” Nuttal said in a post-match interview.

He added: “I felt that we could have scored in the first half and the second half but we really have to take our clear chances, so we need to work on taking our chances."

“But overall it was a good performance from the players and the idea of it being a friendly match was out of the window especially when you are playing but I thought my players were mentally strong today.”

Hearts will play the winner of the second semifinal match between Dreams FC and Medeama SC in the final on Sunday.