Asante Kotoko showed their class over bitter rivals Hearts of Oak once again when they claimed a late winner at the Baba Yara Stadium in Sunday afternoon's 1-0 victory from the latest edition of Ghana's top derby.
Kotoko dominated the game from the blast of the whistle to the end of the week 13 encounter much to the joy of the Porcupine Warriors’ teeming supporters.
The game produced no goals in the first half with Kotoko looking better and missing numerous goal scoring opportunities. Hearts of Oak on the other hand kept their composure by soaking the incessant pressure from the record Ghana Premier League holders, creating minimal chances.
The first half ended with Asante Kotoko enjoying a lion's share of ball possession in front of a decent crowed in Kumasi. Back from recess, Kotoko still looked purposely and better than the visitors and that culminated in a last minute winner for the two time continental champions.
A long ball floated into the area of Hearts of Oak in added time leading to a miscommunication between Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare and defender Kelvin Osei Asibey for an unpardonable mistake.
Kotoko striker Albert Amoah took advantage of that howler and meandered past Asare and Osei Asibey to plant the ball into the net for a 1-0 win on the afternoon with a minute of added time to end the game.
The win is Asante Kotoko’s second victory in as many as six league matches and Hearts of Oak are losing for the first time in six league games.
Kotoko have leapfrogged Hearts of Oak into 5th position with 21 points same as Medeama SC and Hearts of Oak drop into 7th with 19 points after 13 matches.
Video: Asante Kotoko 1-0 Hearts of Oak highlights (Credit: Sahara Football YouTube)
In other results played on Saturday
Vision FC 3-2 Medeama
Nsoatreman 1-1 Dreams
Samartex 0-1 Heart of Lions
Legon Cities 0-2 Bechem United
Karela 1-1 Gold Stars
Holy Stars 3-0 Young Apostles
Berekum Chelsea 0-0 Aduana
Accra Lions 1-0 Nations FC
Comments