Kotoko rise, Hearts fall
David Duncan appears to be beating Kumasi Asante Kotoko into shape after leading them to a 1-0 win over visiting Liberty Professionals — their second straight league victory in all competitions under their new coach.
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However, there was no such joy for Accra Hearts of Oak who slumped to their fifth defeat of the season after losing 1-2 to Inter Allies at Tema through an injury time goal by Gockel Ahetor.
Ahetor’s 93rd minute match-winning goal sunk the Phobians, who slipped back into the relegation zone at the 13th position on the First Capital Plus Premier League log.
In achieving yesterday’s win, which shot them up to the seventh position on the Premier League log, Kotoko put up one of their best performances this season before a partisan home crowd at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, reports Kwadwo Baffoe Donkor.
A fourth minute Ahmed Toure goal was all Coach Duncan’s side needed to carry the day against the determined Scientific Soccer lads who made futile attempts at scoring, with Kotoko goalkeeper Eric Ofori Antwi standing between Liberty and an equalising goal.
On two occasions Antwi pulled out wonderful saves to deny the visitors a goal and ensured maximum points for the Porcupine Warriors who appear to be rediscovering their form and self belief.
But for Hearts, it was a rather painful defeat at the Tema Stadium as they paid a heavy price for lack of concentration and allowed Ahoetor to deny them of a deserving point after putting up a brave fight, reports Benjamin Xornam Glover.
Ropapa Mensah took advantage of a defensive blunder by Hearts defender, Philip Boampong, in the 66th minute to shoot past Tetteh Luggard for the opening goal.
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However, the visitors hit back in the 84th minute through a well-taken free kick by Isaac Oduro to bring the Phobians at par in a match which saw both goalkeepers making some good saves, especially Allies Osie Kwame who denied Oduro and the league’s leading marksman Gilbert Fiamenyo clear scoring opportunities in the 30th and 79th minutes respectively.
But Paa Kwesi Fabin’s side fought gallantly to maintain an unbeaten home record this season and move up to the fourth position on the log.
Last Saturday, Accra Great Olympics continued their steady rise under the guidance of Coach Yaw Acheampong after posting a 1-0 win over Wa All Stars at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Olympics needed a second half goal by Doetse Agbashie — his fourth of the season — to record their sixth win of the season to climb up to the sixth position on the log.