Accra Hearts of Oak took the bragging rights and the three points when they beat Asante Kotoko by a goal to nil in the Ghana Premier League on Sunday.
The Phobians, who had to play 10 men for 65 minutes, won the game through Baba Adamu’s first half header, ending Kotoko’s home invincibility in the league.
The game’s first effort on goal came in the 4th minute when Martin Karikari cut in unto his left but his tame effort was saved by Mohammed Kamara.
A minute later, Kotoko’s Albert Amoah pounced on Kelvin Osei-Asibey’s poor clearance, only to see his snap shot saved by Benjamin Asare.
Seven minutes later, Dogo Moro’s flick on from a Lord Amoah throw in was comfortably gathered by Asare.
Hearts scored the opener in the 17th minute when Baba Adamu’s looping header beat Mohammed Camara.
Moments later,Emmanuel Amankwaah was booked for leaving a flailing arm in the face of Kotoko’s Saaka Dauda.
Midway through the first half, Hearts coach Didi Dramani brought on George Paaku for Hamza Issah.
Hearts were gifted a golden opportunity when Kotoko goalkeeper Mohammed Kamara passed the ball straight to Mawuli Wayo.
However, the Hearts forward took the ball away from goal and his cut back was ultimately blocked.
Shortly after that, Kotoko’s Lord Amoah was shown a yellow card for a foul on substitute George Paaku.
Hearts were reduced to 10 men when Emmanuel Amankwaah was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a foul on Saaka Dauda.
However, his sending off did little to change the game as Hearts saw off the first half with their lead intact.
Back from recess, Kotoko coach Prince Owusu introduced striker Donzo Morifing for the midfielder Walid Fuseini.
On the 57th minute, Martin Karikari tried to lob the goalkeeper from the halfway line, but his audacious attempt was saved.
Kotoko asserted their dominance in the game from then on, but could not find a way past a resolute Hearts defence.
On the 61st minute, Albert Amoah found himself unmarked on the edge of the area but his powerful effort flew harmlessly over the bar.
With 25 minutes remaining, Kotoko brought on striker Kwame Opoku for Yakubu Dogo, while Seth Kwadwo Osei replaced Prince Badu.
Three minutes later, Hearts responded with a triple substitution; Raphael Amponsah,Theophilus Collison and Frank Duku for Mawuli Wayo, David Oppong Afranie and Martin Karikari.
In 74th minute, Hearts keeper Benjamin Asare was called into action, diving to his elastic limit to save Patrick Asiedu’s long range effort.
Three minutes later, Hearts went close when Frank Duku set up Raphael Amponsah on a counter break. However, with the goal at his mercy, Amponsah shot straight at the goalkeeper.
From then on, Kotoko poured more men forward but still could not find a way past Hearts keeper, Benjamin Asare.
The Phobians held on for a deserved victory on enemy territory.
Sunday’s win takes the Phobians to within 5 points of league leaders Medeama S.C., with 39 points.
The result marks Kotoko’s first home defeat in the Ghana Premier League.
Kotoko have now lost three consecutive matches, after previous defeats to Heart of Lions and Aduana Stars.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com