Ten man Accra Hearts of Oak sold out an impressive performance at the Kumasi Baba Yara Stadium and stunned their sworn rivals Kumasi Asante Kotoko by a lone goal.
The victory, which redeemed the Phobians from the bondage of Kotoko’s dominance in recent times, also inspired their hopes to catch up with league leaders Medeama, who were held to a one all stalemate by Aduana Stars on Friday.
After a dominant play and control, Baba Adamu’s powerful header in the 14th minute broke the deadlock and gave Hearts a deserving lead, with the Phobian fans erupting with wild jubilation.
Hearts looked dangerous and also delightful to watch as they swung their passes beautifully, together with high intensity and determination to redeem themselves from Kotoko’s dominance.
But just before they could pose more threat to their host, coach Dramani was forced to reshuffle his team with a forced substitution, when enterprising Hamza Musah was pulled out and replaced by George Paaku.
Emmanuel Amankwa, who was the first player to get into the referee’s book after a bookable offense early in the game, received his marching orders in the 34th minute, when he received a second yellow card on the day.
His exit delighted the home supporters who deemed the numerical disadvantage of Hearts as a sign of victory for the Red Army of Kumasi.
Kotoko immediately started to give their traveling fans something to cheer about with good passes and dominance in the midfield.
With 10 minutes to end the first half, Yaw Amankwa Baafi was introduced into the game by coach Didi Dramani to solidify their play in the midfield.
Martin Karikari’s dangerous incursion into the final third of Kotoko was thwarted but the resultant free kick in an advantageous position was agonizingly wasted by Martin, who elected himself to effect it.
In the later stages of the first half, Kotoko’s Harry Ansu was replaced by Musah Hamzatta.
Though the Porcupines ended the first half with dominance after having 55% control of possession, the continental club masters on the other hand maintained their solitary lead with 45% of ball possession.
Second half
Kotoko’s stop gap coach, who perhaps sensed danger, made a quick start to the second half with the introduction Morifing Donzo to take the place of WalidFuseine.
27 year old Guinean forward, Morifing Donzo, who joined Asante Kotoko on a three-year deal from Hafia FC was supposed to strengthen Kotoko’s attack in their quest for an equalizer.
Though Hearts duo of Martin Karikari and Mawuli Wayo combined beautifully to torment the Porcupines in the early stages of the second half, Kotoko regained dominance and turned the heat on the visitors.
As Kotoko maintained their pressure, Albert Amoah’s reaction after he missed a good opportunity in the 61st minutes was enough to illustrate his frustration, after his shot went over the cross bar.
In the 62nd minute, Prince Badu and Dogo Yakubu were substituted for Seth Kwadwo and striker Kwame Poku respectfully, to bring more power to Kotoko’s forward line, but the Phobians remained resilient and defended gallantly.
After enduring a lot of pressure from their host, coach Didi Dramani made three solid changes in the 69th minute to contain the incessant pressure his side was being subjected to, in order to protect his early lead.
Hearts’ most brightest opportunity to double their lead fell to substitute Raphael Amponsah, but his final effort to increase the tally was surprisingly missed.
Skipper Benjamin Asare demonstrated why he is the current number shot stopper for the Senior National Team, the Black Stars, as he exhibited his aerial superiority and excellently dealt with Kotoko’s long balls to locate Donzo.
