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A dramatic added-time goal from Albert Amoah handed Asante Kotoko a narrow 1-0 victory over arch-rivals Hearts of Oak at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday.
The decisive moment came from a mix-up between defender Kelvin Osei Asibey and goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, a cruel end for two players who had delivered outstanding performances until that fateful moment.
The game began with Kotoko asserting early dominance, unsettling Hearts with their high pressing and intensity. Within just 27 seconds, goalkeeper Benjamin Asare was called into action, producing a superb save to deny Kotoko an early lead.
As the first half wore on, Hearts found their rhythm, dominating possession but failing to translate it into meaningful chances. Their efforts were limited to speculative shots from distance that rarely troubled Kotoko’s goalkeeper. At the other end, Kotoko’s Albert Amoah remained a constant threat. In the 30th minute, he found himself in a one-on-one situation, but Kelvin Osei Asibey’s perfectly timed last-ditch tackle kept the score level.
Amoah appeared to have broken the deadlock in the 38th minute, finishing off a slick move, but his effort was ruled out for offside. Kotoko’s Baba Yahaya then missed a golden opportunity to put his side ahead just before halftime, blasting his shot over the bar after beating his marker inside the box.
The second half saw Hearts of Oak come alive, with midfielder Salim Adams orchestrating their attacking play. Adams set up Kwabena Boateng for what seemed a certain goal, but a heroic tackle from Kotoko’s defence denied him. Both teams traded opportunities in an intense battle, but neither could find the finishing touch.
As the match edged toward a stalemate, drama unfolded in added time. A moment of hesitation and miscommunication between Osei Asibey and Asare gifted Amoah the chance to pounce. The forward made no mistake, calmly slotting home to secure all three points for Kotoko in the final action of the game.
The goal sparked jubilant scenes as Kotoko’s coach, Prosper Ogum, celebrated wildly, removing his red tie and lying on the field in joy, embracing his players. The win marked Kotoko’s third consecutive league triumph over their bitter rivals.
For Hearts, it was a cruel finish to a game in which they had shown resilience, while Kotoko reaffirmed their dominance in one of Ghana’s fiercest football rivalries.
Kotoko have climbed to sixth place on the table, overtaking Hearts of Oak, who have dropped to seventh.