Accra Hearts of Oak delivered a statement performance on Sunday, edging rivals Asante Kotoko 1-0 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium to end the Porcupine Warriors’ unbeaten home run in the Ghana Premier League.
In a fiercely contested clash, the Phobians were forced to play more than an hour with ten men but showed grit and discipline to walk away with all three points.
Hearts started brightly and looked the more purposeful side in the opening exchanges. Their early intent paid off in the 17th minute when Baba Adamu rose cleverly to loop a header into the net after connecting with a low delivery from Max Cleworth. The goal stunned the home crowd and handed the visitors a crucial advantage.
Kotoko, who had been formidable at home this season, struggled to find their rhythm. Their clearest chance of the first half fell to Albert Amoah after a defensive slip, but goalkeeper Benjamin Asare reacted swiftly to deny him.
The game took a dramatic turn midway through the first half when Hearts defender Emmanuel Amankwaah was shown a second yellow card, reducing the visitors to ten men. Despite the setback, Hearts remained compact and organised, frustrating Kotoko’s attempts to draw level before halftime.
After the break, Kotoko increased the tempo and pushed numbers forward in search of an equaliser. Coach Prince Owusu introduced Donzo Morifing to strengthen the attack, but clear-cut opportunities remained scarce. Amoah came close with a powerful effort from the edge of the box, only to see it sail over the crossbar.
Hearts, though under pressure, looked dangerous on the counter. Raphael Amponsah nearly doubled their lead but fired straight at the Kotoko goalkeeper when presented with a golden opportunity.
As the clock ticked down, Kotoko threw everything forward. A long-range strike from Patrick Asiedu forced another fine save from Asare, who proved decisive on the afternoon. But Hearts’ defensive resolve held firm until the final whistle.
The victory moves Hearts to 39 points, narrowing the gap to league leaders Medeama S.C. to five points. For Kotoko, it marks their first home defeat of the campaign and a third straight loss, raising fresh questions about their recent form.
“This is a massive win for us, especially coming here and playing against a strong team like Kotoko,” Hearts coach Didi Dramani said after the match. “Our players showed great determination and resilience.”
