Asante Kotoko steal El Clasico bragging rights after beating rivals Hearts of Oak 2-1 at the Accra Sports Stadium
Hearts of Oak came into week 6 of the Ghana Premier League against Asante Kotoko unbeaten from their last three games whilst Kotoko was simply looking for their second straight victory after whipping Dwarfs 2-0 last week.
In an intense and packed Accra Sports Stadium, Hearts looked the brighter side early in the first half. Joseph Esso’s cross from the right flank in what seems the game’s first attack was headed by forward Afriyie that missed the posts by an inch.
Kotoko broke the deadlock 11’ minutes inside as Justice Blay got the better of his marker in the air to head home Augustine Okrah’s free kick from the right side of the park.
Right after Kotoko”s goal, all what Hearts of Oak could have was total dominance over their opponents. Their dominance could be attributed to the injury of Mudasiru Salifu who was simply fascinating for Kotoko before he was sent off mid-way in the first half.
Hearts effort finally paid as Joseph Esso headed home a rebound to draw the Phobians on level. Benjamin Afutu header resulting from a cross down the left flank had struck the right edge of the cross-bar before the rebound was simply connected by Esso on 64’ minute.
Kotoko restore their lead when it was few minutes to full time after Naby Kieta converted a penalty to send Kotoko 2-1 up.
Christopher Nettey cut inside from the right flank but his intended through ball to Richard Arthur sided against the Hearts wall.
Matthew Cudjoe shot from the resultant rebound, and the ball went straight onto the arm of defender Mohamed Alhassan which referee Emmanuel Eshun awarded a penalty for Kieta to seal the victory for the Porcupine Warriors.
Kotoko welcome Ash Gold to the Baba Yara Stadium for week 7 of the Ghana Premier League.
