Hearts beat Kotoko

Accra Hearts of Oak yesterday booked their ticket for the final of the ongoing G6 competition when they beat arch-rivals Kumasi Asante Kotoko 6-5 on penalties after the game ended 1-1 in regulation time.

After a series of waste opportunities in the first half, the deadlock of the game was finally broken in the second half when the Porcupine Warriors’ goalkeeper Felix Annan brought down Patrick Razak in the 55th minute for a penalty which was converted by Vincent Atinga.

Kotoko did not give up in their search for an equaliser and in the 65th minute their effort was rewarded when Joshua Otoo handled the ball in the box and referee Prosper Addo did not hesitate to award the penalty which Amos Frimpong also converted to put both sides on level.

After the goal both teams battled for the equaliser with the Porcupine Warriors creating more chances but they could not penetrate through the resolute defence built around Vincent Atinga and Otoo until referee Addo to brought the game to an end.

However drama unfolded after the final whistle as the organisers were uncertain about which format to use to separate the two teams. Officials were seen in consultation with organisers and eight minutes after the fans had left the stadium, they finally settled on penalties.

The stadium announcer had to recall the supporters and players for the penalties to be effected and Eric Donkor of Kotoko and Daniel Kordei of Accra Hearts of Oak both missed their kicks but at the end it was Accra Hearts of Oak who won by 6-5 and they are expected to play Aduana Stars in the final.