Keita wins President’s Cup for Kotoko; Beat Hearts 2-1

Defending League champions, Kumasi Asante Kotoko, extended their hold on the annual President’s Cup to six after despatching arch-rivals, Accra Hearts of Oak, 2-1 in a replay of the September 8 rained off match at the Baba Yara Stadium.

The match was called off five minutes into play at the same venue after both teams were tied on goalless.

Hearts have won the trophy four times since it was instituted in 2003 to honour a sitting President of the Republic.

Hearts striker Kofi Kordzi opened the scores for the Phobians against the run of play when he converted a 37th minute spot kick.

Kordzi was impeded in the box before the ball finally hit the hands of defender Ampem Darcosta.

Hearts shot themselves in the foot 10 minutes later as defender Mohammed Alhassan scored an own goal to make it 1-1.

Naby Keita netted the match winner in the 78th minute for Kotoko as Hearts struggled to hold Kotoko but rather chased their shadows for most part of the game.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, in whose honour the match was played, was absent but his able Minister of Youth and Sports, Isaac Kwame Asiamah, once again did the ceremonial kick off on behalf of the President.

Hearts kicked off after Mr Asiamah, together with the new FA President, Kurt Okraku, had conducted the inspection but it was Burkinabe International Songne Yacouba who took the game to the visitors.

He threatened a couple of times but failed to take full advantage as the Phobians bounced back into the game albeit momentarily.

But Kotoko proved their match fitness and compact play from then on.

Kordzi’s opener

Kordzi scored to the chagrin of the home fans but when Mohammed Alhassan scored an own goal, the stadium was ‘charged’ once again as the vociferous Kotoko fans called for more goals.

Indeed, Kotoko could have recorded a cricket scoreline and perhaps cancelled the infamous 4-1 thrashing by Hearts some 10 years ago but they appeared content.

Wasted chances

Player after player, the Porcupine warriors wasted their chances as Hearts struggled to keep the pace mostly initiated by the skipper for the day, Emmanuel Gyamfi and Augustine Okrah.

Despite their backfooting, Kordzi could have made it two for Hearts but blew a golden opportunity after rounding up the goalkeeper.

It was a well-deserved victory for Kotoko and a welcome silverware for Coach Maxwell Konadu, who took charge of the team as the new coach two weeks ago.

Mr Asiamah presented skipper Gyamfi with the glittering trophy as the elated players screamed with joy.