Accra Hearts of Oak secured bragging rights and all three points after defeating Asante Kotoko 1-0 in a thrilling Ghana Premier League encounter on Sunday at the Baba Yara Stadium.
Despite being reduced to 10 men for 65 minutes, the Phobians held firm, with Baba Adamu’s first-half header proving decisive, ending Kotoko’s previously unbroken home record in the league.
The match started at a frenetic pace, with Martin Karikari forcing a save from Kotoko goalkeeper Mohammed Kamara in the 4th minute. A minute later, Albert Amoah capitalized on a poor clearance from Kelvin Osei-Asibey but saw his effort comfortably saved by Hearts’ Benjamin Asare.
Hearts took the lead in the 17th minute when Baba Adamu rose highest to head home from a precise delivery. Shortly after, Emmanuel Amankwaah received a yellow card for a dangerous challenge on Saaka Dauda.
Midway through the first half, Hearts coach Didi Dramani made an early tactical change, introducing George Paaku for Hamza Issah. The Phobians came close to doubling their lead when Kotoko goalkeeper Kamara inadvertently gifted the ball to Mawuli Wayo, though the chance was squandered. Kotoko’s Lord Amoah was later cautioned for a foul on substitute Paaku.
The game turned more challenging for Hearts when Emmanuel Amankwaah was sent off for a second yellow card, reducing them to ten men. However, the dismissal did not affect their resilience, and they went into halftime with the lead intact.
In the second half, Kotoko coach Prince Owusu introduced Donzo Morifing for Walid Fuseini to bolster his attack. Martin Karikari nearly caught Hearts off guard with a bold attempt from the halfway line in the 57th minute, but Asare was equal to the task.
Kotoko dominated possession for much of the second half, yet they failed to break down a determined Hearts defense. Albert Amoah had a golden opportunity from the edge of the box in the 61st minute but shot over the bar. Subsequent Kotoko substitutions, including Kwame Opoku and Seth Kwadwo Osei, failed to shift the momentum.
Hearts responded with three substitutions of their own, bringing on Raphael Amponsah, Theophilus Collison, and Frank Duku. In the 74th minute, Asare made a stunning save to deny Patrick Asiedu’s long-range effort, preserving Hearts’ slender lead. Moments later, Amponsah had a chance to seal the victory on a counterattack but was denied by Kamara.
Kotoko threw everything forward in the closing stages, but Hearts’ defense held firm. The Phobians secured a hard-fought and well-deserved victory on enemy territory.
With this win, Hearts moved to 39 points, just five behind league leaders Medeama SC. The result also marked Kotoko’s first home defeat in the Ghana Premier League this season and their third consecutive loss, following defeats to Heart of Lions and Aduana Stars.
