After beating Bechem United 2-1 on Sunday at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in the final, Hearts of Oak successfully defended their MTN FA Cup title.

Daniel Afriyie Barnieh's strike in the second half of the game was the decisive moment as the Phobians clinched their 12th FA Cup title.

Bechem United had a good start to the encounter and took the lead with a goal from Emmanuel Avornyo. He latched onto a rebound after Richmond Ayi parried Augustine Okrah's first-time effort.

Caleb Amankwah however scored from a volley in the last minute of the opening half to get the equaliser for Hearts as the first half ended with the two teams drawing.

Having been denied on a number of occasions after recess, there was no stopping birthday boy Afriyie Barnieh in the 60th minute as he put the ball past Iddrisu Abdulai after being found by Gladson Awako.

Augustine Okrah was sent off in the 68th minute with the Hunters playing with 10-men. The Bechem United winger head-butted the referee and was shown the exit.

With a win in the final of the FA Cup, the Accra-based side will be representing Ghana in the CAF Confederation Cup next season.