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Nyaho's Musical Youth

(1) Sam Abbeyquaye / Nanabenyin Crentsil / Fred Akuffo
(2) Ben Adjei
(3) Anyetei Sowah (late) / Thomas Quaye
(4) Joe Addo / Tetteh Django
(5) Paul Adjoda / Ahmed Oguaa
(6) Eben Dugbatey
(7) Edward Santrofi Acquah / Adjetey Sowah
(8 ) Sam Ablade Kumah
(9) Sowah Ghartey
(10) Shamo Quaye (late)
(11) Razak Adjinie / Lawrence Annan "Adu Beilah"

THE STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES OF THE HEARTS OF OAK MUSICAL YOUTH

The introduction of the Accra Hearts of Oak Musical Youth right after the 1986 season by the Dr. Nyaho Tamakloe management was a time of mixed feelings for many a Phobia fan.
It was shocking to see old trusted players given the sack. Superstars like ever-faithful Ofei Ansah (late), Dan Nyarnu, Opoku Afriyie, Emmanuel Ayittey Crankson, Joe Amoateng, Clement Adu, et al., had to leave the Rainbow club. Others like Sampson Lamptey, Thomas Hammond "Gambo" and Kofi Abbrey packed and headed northwards to join bitter rivals, Kotoko.

Nyaho unleashed his new brand, the "Musical Youth" to begin the 1987 season. The Hearts fans had to quickly forget about the old heroes and embrace a rather inexperienced squad. Initially, there were many doubters who thought the Musical Youth would not make it. Slowly, the kids started winning favour with the Phobian fraternity. They were dazzling and entertaining.

Their strengths were in defence, where Ben Adjei, Thomas Quaye, Joe Addo and others played brilliantly, and more so in midfield, where Eben Dugbartey, Edward Santrofi Acquah, Ablade Kumah, the legendary Shamo Quaye (late), and Razak Adjinie bamboozled opposing teams with their superb skills. However, goalkeeping and the striking ability could not match the quality shown by the defenders and midfielders. Sam Abbeyquaye was handicapped by his height, Fred Akuffo was not a reliable safe pair of hands and Nanabenyin Crentsil had not yet settled in well. In the striking department, Sowah Ghartey was not clinical, forcing Coach Cobbinah to switch Santrofi and Shamo Quaye to more offensive roles in order to scores badly needed goals. When Hearts played Kotoko in the Round Robin league match in Accra on August 5, 1987, the weaknesses of the Musical Youth were largely exposed as the much more experienced and athletic Rodents, spear-headed by George Arthur, Yahya Kassum, and Saarah Mensah had an easy field day. The Rodents won 2 - 0 and followed it with another 2 - 0 win in Kumasi on December 10, 1987 to lift the league trophy.

After the 1987 season, it was time to strengthen the Hearts line-up. Budding stars, Henry Acquah, Olabode Williams and Emmanuel Quarshie were roped in from Sekondi Hasaacas. Henry Acquah and Olabode immediately made the hitherto lethargic offence start to click, scoring frequently. Abega formed a superb midfield trio with Ablade and Shamo. In goal, Nanabenyin Crentsil had become more at home and more confident. The Hearts team was now looking formidable and management brought in some more star performers including Emmanuel Armah "Senegal", Richard Naawu, Yaw Preko, Ezekiel Alamu and Tony Tieku. Finally, the Musical Youth had been transformed from just youthful entertainers to a winsome and formidable team.

As recalled by Crest Water.