Hearts of Oak has expressed their condolence to the family of one of their loyal fan, William Nii Laryea who passed out and died during the Homowo Peace Cup match on Sunday, August 12, 2024, at the Accra Sports Stadium.
During the first half, Laryea, who had reportedly been experiencing chest pains, collapsed suddenly.
Despite the medical team’s swift response, Laryea was transported to the nearest hospital, where he was sadly pronounced dead upon arrival.
In response to this, the club in a statement released on August 12, 2024, “the management of Accra Hearts of Oak with a heavy heart wishes to express our sincere condolences to the family of William Nii Laryea, who met his untimely death yesterday at the Accra Sports Stadium”.
Expressing their grief over loosing such support, they pledged to work with the family to give a befitting burial to their devoted fan.
“His departure to eternity will not only affect his immediate family but also, we as a club since we would lose his unflinching support and the passion with which he followed the club.
We hope to liaise closely with his family to ensure that we would contribute positively towards a successful final funeral rite of William Nii Laryea” the club added.
Hearts of Oak clinched the 2024 Gbese Mantse Homowo Charity Peace Cup, triumphing over Kpando Heart of Lions 8-7 in a tense penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Despite several attempts, the Phobians couldn’t find the net in the first half.
The second half saw Hearts intensify their attacks, but Lions’ goalkeeper Lawrence Osei denied them repeatedly. With two minutes remaining, substitute Mohammed Hussein equalized after Ransford Mensah’s free-kick hit the framework.
The match proceeded to penalties, where Hearts emerged victorious 8-7, securing the cup in a thrilling conclusion.