Hearts of Oak fire warning shot to Asante Kotoko

Accra Hearts of Oak delivered a statement victory in Kumasi last Sunday, grinding out a stirring 1-0 win over bitter rivals Asante Kotoko, With 10 men for more than an hour, the Phobians reignited their title ambitions and exact revenge for their first-round defeat.

Defender Baba Adamu’s 14th-minute header from a free-kick proved decisive in a Super Clash that had everything, including a red card, relentless pressure, heroic goalkeeping and a deafening Baba Yara Stadium stunned into silence except for the cheering Phoboans after referee Daniel Laryea's final whistle.

The victory — Hearts’ first over Kotoko since the 2020/21 season — lifts the Phobians to second in the table, five points behind leaders Medeama (44), who were held to a 1-1 draw by Aduana. Defending champions Gold Stars remain third, level on 39 points with Hearts, as the title race intensifies with 12 matches remaining.

For Kotoko, the pain cut deep. The defeat leaves them fifth, with just one win in their last seven league outings — and it was their first home loss of the season.

Hearts began with purpose. In the fifth minute, Abdul Karim tested goalkeeper Mohammed Camara after a slick move, though his effort was comfortably gathered.

Kotoko responded immediately, with on-loan striker Albert Amoah firing inside the box, only for national team goalkeeper Benjamin Asare to react sharply at his near post.

Then came the decisive moment.

Against the run of play in the 14th minute, a free-kick from midway inside Kotoko’s half was exquisitely delivered into the box by Karikari. Baba Adamu rose highest, flicking a clever header that looped beyond the advancing Camara and into the net. The Hearts end erupted.

Kotoko pressed for a swift reply, but Hearts almost doubled their advantage when Camara’s poor clearance gifted Mawuli Wayo possession inside the area. The forward hesitated, allowing skipper Samba O’Neil to intervene.

Red card drama

The contest swung dramatically in the 28th minute when Hearts right-back Emmanuel Amankwaa received a second yellow card following a rash challenge on Saaka Dauda. Down to ten men with more than an hour to survive, Hearts faced a siege.

Hearts coach, Mas-Ud Didi Dramani, responded swiftly, reshuffling his side with Yaw Amankwaa Berfi replacing Mohammed Hussein in a tactical adjustment designed to fortify the rearguard.

Kotoko sensed an opportunity. Dogo Yakubu tried his luck from distance before the interval, while Karikari squandered a late free-kick opportunity for Hearts after being fouled on the edge of the box.

The second half was played largely in Hearts’ territory.

Kotoko wasted an early free-kick before Albert Amoah failed to clear the wall from a promising position. Moments later, Lord Amoah’s teasing cross found substitute Donzo, but the header drifted over. Albert Amoah also blazed another effort high as frustration mounted.

In the 73rd minute, appeals for a Kotoko penalty were waved away by referee Daniel Laryea after Asiedu went down under pressure — a decision that further inflamed the home crowd.

A minute later, Patrick Asiedu unleashed a rasping drive from range, but Asare flung himself full stretch to parry the ball behind. It was one of several crucial interventions from the Black Stars goalkeeper.

With eight minutes remaining, Hearts nearly delivered the knockout blow. A rapid counterattack sent Raphael Amponsah clear through on goal, but Camara redeemed himself with a point-blank save to keep Kotoko alive.

Yet the Porcupine Warriors could not breach the last line of resistance.

With Black Stars technical team, led by head coach Otto Addo, watching from the stands, Asare was imperious between the sticks, commanding his box, repelling crosses and producing reflex stops when it mattered most.

The clean sheet was his 12th of the campaign, and this one may prove the most valuable.

At the final whistle, he celebrated with his trademark “SM” (Shatta Movement) salute toward jubilant Hearts supporters, who responded with chants of “USA! USA! USA!”, a nod to his growing international stature and a strong message to the Black Stars coach that his first-choice goalkeeper was still in good form and World Cup-bound.