Accra Hearts of Oak secured a famous 1-0 victory over Asante Kotoko at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday, ending their eleven years jinx in seven attempt despite playing with ten men for 65 minutes.
The Phobians took the lead in the 17th minute through Baba Adamu, whose looping header beat Kotoko goalkeeper Mohammed Camara and proved to be the match winner.
Hearts were forced to play a man down from the 30th minute when Emmanuel Amankwaah received a second yellow card for a foul on Saaka Dauda. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the visitors defended resolutely to secure all three points.
First Half Action
The game’s first chance came in the 4th minute when Martin Karikari cut inside, but his shot was saved by Mohammed Kamara. A minute later, Kotoko’s Albert Amoah pounced on a poor clearance, only to see his effort saved by Benjamin Asare.
Hearts broke the deadlock when Baba Adamu’s header found the back of the net. Shortly after, Amankwaah received his first yellow card for a foul on Dauda.
Hearts were gifted a golden opportunity when Kotoko’s goalkeeper passed the ball straight to Mawuli Wayo, but the Hearts forward took the ball away from goal and his cut back was blocked.
Amankwaah’s second yellow card reduced Hearts to ten men, but they held onto their lead until halftime.
Second Half Fight
Kotoko made changes at the break, bringing on striker Donzo Morifing for Walid Fuseini. The home side pushed forward in search of an equalizer.
In the 57th minute, Martin Karikari attempted to lob the goalkeeper from the halfway line, but his effort was saved.
Albert Amoah missed a good chance in the 61st minute, firing over the bar when unmarked on the edge of the area.
Kotoko introduced Kwame Opoku for Yakubu Dogo with 25 minutes remaining, while Hearts made a triple substitution, bringing on Raphael Amponsah, Theophilus Collison and Frank Duku.
Hearts goalkeeper Benjamin Asare produced a fine save in the 74th minute, diving to his limit to keep out Patrick Asiedu’s long-range effort.
Three minutes later, Hearts nearly doubled their lead on a counter attack, but Raphael Amponsah shot straight at the goalkeeper with the goal at his mercy.
Kotoko pushed more men forward in the closing stages but could not find a way past Asare, who was named man of the match for his impressive saves.
Match Significance
The victory takes Hearts to 39 points, moving them within five points of league leaders Medeama SC.
For Kotoko, this marks their first home defeat in the Ghana Premier League this season and extends their losing run to three matches, following previous defeats to Heart of Lions and Aduana Stars.
Members of the Black Stars technical team were present at the Baba Yara Stadium to watch the game.
The win ends Hearts of Oak’s long wait for a victory in Kumasi and gives them bragging rights in one of African football’s biggest rivalries.
Benjamin Asare won the man of the match after making impressive saves to keep Hearts of Oak in the game.
