Accra Hearts of Oak Edge Asante Kotoko in Fierce Derby Clash
Baba Adamu’s Header Secures Crucial Away Victory Despite Red Card
- Hearts beat Kotoko 1–0 with 10 men.
- Baba Adamu scored the decisive first-half header.
- Kotoko suffer first home defeat and third straight loss
Accra Hearts of Oak claimed local bragging rights with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Asante Kotoko in Sunday’s Ghana Premier League showdown, despite playing with 10 men for over an hour.
The decisive moment came in the 17th minute when Baba Adamu rose highest to head home what proved to be the only goal of the encounter, ending Kotoko’s unbeaten home run in the league.
Kotoko threatened early, with Martin Karikari testing goalkeeper Benjamin Asare in the fourth minute, while Albert Amoah capitalized on a defensive lapse moments later but failed to beat the Hearts shot-stopper. Hearts, however, made their opportunity count when Adamu’s looping header slipped past Mohammed Kamara.
Tensions flared shortly after the opener. Emmanuel Amankwaah was first cautioned for an aerial challenge and later sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a foul on Saaka Dauda, reducing Hearts to 10 men for the remaining 65 minutes of the match.
Before the break, Hearts nearly doubled their lead when Mawuli Wayo intercepted a poor pass from Kotoko goalkeeper Kamara, but the chance went begging as the move broke down.
In the second half, Kotoko coach Prince Owusu made tactical changes, introducing Donzo Morifing to bolster the attack. The hosts dominated possession and pushed forward in search of an equalizer, with Albert Amoah and Martin Karikari both coming close.
Benjamin Asare proved decisive for the Phobians, producing a series of crucial saves, including a full-stretch dive to deny Patrick Asiedu’s long-range strike in the 74th minute.
Hearts also threatened on the counter, with Raphael Amponsah missing a golden opportunity after being set up by Frank Duku.
Despite sustained late pressure from Kotoko, Hearts’ defense held firm to secure a memorable away victory.
The win moves Hearts to 39 points, five behind league leaders Medeama S.C.. For Kotoko, the defeat marks their first home loss of the season and a third consecutive setback following earlier defeats to Heart of Lions and Aduana Stars.
