Ugandan international Steven Mukwala starred once more in the much-anticipated Super Clash as Asante Kotoko secured a crucial win over their fiercest rivals, Hearts of Oak.
The matchday 31 fixture took place on Sunday at the Kumasi Baba Yara Stadium, with the fervent Porcupine Warriors fans cheering the home team to a convincing 2-0 victory.
Kotoko had lost their previous game to Berekum Chelsea, despite Mukwala finding the back of the net in that match. Determined to bounce back, the Porcupine Warriors faced a struggling Hearts of Oak side that had also suffered a defeat in their last outing against Aduana FC.
Asante Kotoko wasted no time in asserting their dominance. In the ninth minute, Steven Mukwala latched onto a long pass, used his strength to beat two defenders, and placed the ball beyond the goalkeeper, leaving fans in awe. This early strike set the tone for the rest of the match.
Steven Mukwala is not here to play around.@AsanteKotoko_SC 1-0 @HeartsOfOakGH
Showing live on ST Adepa Ch. 247 & StarTimes ON App 📲https://t.co/DYXp74fT2S#GPL #StarTimes #Ghana #GPLonStarTimes #GPLwk31 #AKSC #AHOSC pic.twitter.com/UOunhnaGwu
— StarTimes Ghana (@startimesghana) May 26, 2024
Hearts of Oak were determined to avoid back-to-back defeats and pushed hard for an equaliser. However, Prosper Ogum’s men had other plans. Mukwala, seemingly unsatisfied with his earlier efforts, struck again to double the lead after the fourth official had indicated five minutes of added time.
Say his name once more!
Mukwalaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!@AsanteKotoko_SC 2-0 @HeartsOfOakGHWatch more #GhanaPremierLeague games live on ST Adepa Ch. 247 & StarTimes ON App 📲https://t.co/DYXp74fT2S#GPL #StarTimes #Ghana #GPLonStarTimes #GPLwk31 #AKSC #AHOSC pic.twitter.com/17kP575Zeg
— StarTimes Ghana (@startimesghana) May 26, 2024
The 24-year-old’s second goal sealed the victory for Kotoko, propelling them to ninth position for the first time in several weeks. With this win, they are now five points away from a top-four spot with three matches remaining, sitting on 43 points.
Meanwhile, the Phobians find themselves in a precarious 14th position on the table with 38 points.
Mukwala’s brace means he has scored four goals in his last two games against the Accra-based side, proving to be a thorn in their flesh.
For Prosper Ogum, the coach, this victory extends his unbeaten run against Hearts of Oak in the Premier League, solidifying his tactical prowess and his team’s resilience.
Asante Kotoko’s triumph in the Super Clash not only boosts their league standing but also highlights Steven Mukwala’s importance to the team, as he continues to deliver crucial goals in high-stakes matches.
With 14 goals, he is one adrift off Berekum Chelsea’s Stephen Amankona.
