Accra Hearts Oak laid one hand on the Ghana @60 Anniversary cup after emphatically beating rivals Kumasi Asante Kotoko 3-1.
The anniversary clash between the most decorated clubs in the country started brightly. The first opportunity came in the way of Hearts in the 8th minute following a defensive blunder by the Kotoko defense but goalkeeper Felix Annan was quick enough to prevent what could have been the opening goal.
The game grew in intensity with both teams creating some decent chances. The best chance of the half fell to Hearts winger Patrick Razak but his feeble shot was saved by Felix Annan.
Kotoko had the better of possession in the first half but Hearts defense was too resolute to allow a goal.
Hearts had a call for penalty following a foul on Patrick Razak denied by referee Prosper Adii. Patrick Razak who deservedly won the man of the match award came close in the 40th minute but once the end result was poor.
Kotoko created some decent opportunities but profligacy on the part of their front liners as well as good saves pulled by Hearts goalkeeper Samuel Akurugu ensured that the Phobians ended the first half with no goal in their net just as their visiting partners.
Kotoko began the second half brightly with their possession game but could not penetrate the seemingly impregnable Hearts defense.
The first goal of the game came in the 66th minute through a howler by the over-confident Kotoko goalkeeper who unsuccessfully tried to dribble Kwame Kizito. Kizito got the ball and calmly slotted it home to fetch Hearts the opener.
But the celebrations were short-lived. Three minutes later, Awal Mohammed headed home a well taken free kick by midfielder Michael Akuffo. It was Hearts 1, Kotoko 1.
The equalizer brought the game alive again. A mistimed clearance by Felix Annan who obviously had a bad day fell to Hearts winger Thomas Abbey who powered the ball into the net. Hearts had their noses in front again.
Patrick Razak scored the much needed winner in the 89th minute after connecting a beautiful run by defender Fatau Mohammed.
At the end of the 90th minute, the score line read “Hearts 3-1 Kotoko”.
Hearts will now go into the return fixture which will happen on the 28th of May with a comfortable 3-1 lead.
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