Accra Hearts of Oak returned to winning ways after beating Heart of Lions by a goal to nil in the Ghana Premier League.

The Phobians won courtesy Mawuli Wayo's second half penalty, in the match played at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium on Friday.

After recording two successive draws, Hearts coach Aboubakar Ouattara turned to new signing Seth Osei for inspiration by handing him his debut.

His opponent, coach Bashir Hayford retained the same team from last week's 2-1 win over Aduana Stars.

The opening quarter of an hour was no more than a sparring session.

After sixteen minutes, the game's first opening fell to Hearts when Mawuli Wayo made a great run into the Lions' half.

However, Stephen Appiah Asare's header from Wayo's cross was gathered by Lions' goalkeeper, Lawrence Osei.

The visitors replied with successive forays through Kwesi Pong and Ishmael Addo, but were repelled by the Hearts of Oak rear guard, led by Konadu Yiadom.

Midway through the first half, former Hearts striker Kwadwo Obeng Junior tried his luck from distance but his speculative effort flew wide.

From then on, Lions took control and dominated the game as Hearts of Oak's midfield struggled to cope.

Without Theophilus Collison, the Phobians lacked control and the intensity to match the visitors.

Next, it was Hearts of Oak who had the chance to take the lead when Raphael Amponsah's pass found Hamza Issah unmarked in the box.

The entire stadium watched with anticipation as Issah brought the ball down, but his effort from inside the penalty box flew over.

There was more frustration for the Phobians when, on the cusp of half time, Mawuli Wayo's half volley came off both posts but still did not cross the line.

Although Wayo protested, replays showed that referee Daniel Laryea made the right call.

The second half started in dramatic fashion as just five minutes into it, Stephen Appiah Asare won a penalty for Hearts.

Asare was brought down by George Osei after the winger turned him inside out in the box.

When the protests subsided, Mawuli Wayo stepped up and expertly dispatched the penalty to give Hearts the lead.

Five minutes later, Bismark Ennin broke free in the middle but his effort from distance did not trouble Hearts keeper, Benjamin Asare.

Lions continued to assert their dominance but struggled to find a way past a miserly Hearts defence.

The visitors came close to restoring parity in the 67th when Nana Kwame Oppong's goal-bound shot was tipped over the bar by Benjamin Asare.

Fourteen minutes from time, Bashir Hayford hooked Obeng Junior for Seedorf Asante, who scored in last week's win over Aduana Stars.

Ouattara replied with the introduction of new signing Adam Aziz for his Premier League debut when he came on for Hamza Issah.

Neither substitution changed the course of the game, as Hearts held on for their first win in three matches.

The Phobians have now moved to 4th place with 33 points, one fewer than league leaders Asante Kotoko, who face Nsoatreman F.C. on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Heart of Lions remain in third place on head to head.