Asante Kotoko beat Hearts of Oak for a third successive league victory over their sworn rivals in a pulsating encounter in Kumasi on Sunday, where it appeared all game the spoils would be shared, but Kotoko’s leading marksman Albert Amoah took advantage of a slack moment of defending deep into added time to nick all three points for the hosts.
The game began with Kotoko asserting early dominance, unsettling Hearts of Oak with their aggressive play. Within 27 seconds, Benjamin Asare made a stunning save to deny Kotoko an early lead. However, Hearts gradually settled into the game, controlling possession but failing to create significant chances. Their efforts were limited to a few off-target shots from outside the box.
Kotoko had chances to go ahead in the first half, as Amoah’s header from close range missed target while Kelvin Osei Asibey tackled Amoah from a clear goal-scoring chance. Meanwhile, Hearts were nearly ahead too when Baba Yahaya left his marker and shot from inside the box over the bar just before recess.
The second half saw Hearts of Oak begin brightly with Salim Adams dictating the pace of their attacks. Adams laid Kwabena Boateng through for the breakthrough, but a timely tackle denied what looked sure to be a goal. Both teams continued to fashion opportunities, though Kotoko’s Baba Yahaya missed another clear chance. With the game wearing on, it seemed both teams would take a share of the spoils.
However, all that changed in added time when a moment of indecision between Kelvin Osei Asibey and Benjamin Asare presented Amoah with a gilt-edged chance, which he coolly converted for his seventh of the season. The costly error overshadowed earlier stellar performances from both players and handed Kotoko a memorable victory.
From hero to villain in seconds.
Kelvin Osei Asibey, who was announced Man of the Match, was involved in a mix up that led to Albert Amoah scoring the winner for Asante Kotoko in the final minute of additional time.
FT Asante Kotoko 1-0 Hearts of Oak#JoySports pic.twitter.com/rFbXfaylAw
— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) December 15, 2024
This result lifts Kotoko above Hearts of Oak into sixth place on the Ghana Premier League table, leaving the Phobians in seventh.
