2024/25 Ghana Premier League Week 13 Asante Kotoko 1:0 Hearts of Oak.
Kumasi Asante Kotoko at the Baba Yara sports stadium on Sunday, December 15, 2024, grabbed a narrow 1-0 win against archrivals Accra Hearts of Oak, courtesy of Albert Amoah.
The late goal came after Hearts of Oak defender Kelvin Osei Asibey and goalkeeper Benjamin Asare’s inability to stop Albert Amoah due to a lack of communication in the 18-yard box, seeing the Kotoko striker convert such a moment to give his side the win.
Kotoko started the super clash with early dominance, high pressing, and breakthrough intensity. Just 27 seconds in the first department, Hearts of Oak’s goalkeeper Benjamin Asare was tested but denied Kotoko an early lead with a commendable save.
Accra Hearts of Oak finally determined their rhythm and started dominating possession from midfield but could not convert any of their chances. They resorted to long-range shots, failing to penetrate Kotoko’s defensive line, which rarely troubled Kotoko’s shot-stopper.
Asante Kotoko on the other side of the attack pinned Alber Amoah on the shoulders of Hearts of Oak’s defensive line, making him a constant threat to the phobian’s goal area.
In the 30th minute, Kelvin Osei Asibey’s intervention denied Albert Amoah a chance to give Kotoko the lead in a one-on-one scoring situation.
In the 38th minute, Amoah finished off a slick move and found the back of Hearts of Oak’s net, but his effort was denied for offside by the match officials.
The first department of the match ended in a goalless draw, with both teams showing potential for grabbing victory.
Hearts of Oak started the second half on a high note, with midfielder Salim Adams scheduling an attacking play where he set up Kwabena Boateng for what seemed like a certain goal.
The late intervention of Kotoko’s defence denied him a scoring opportunity in the meek-of-time.
The whole 90 minutes saw the super clash keeping its virginity until an unfounded drama hits the side of Accra Hearts of Oak in the time-added period.
Miscommunication between defender Osei Assibey and goalie Asare gifted Kotoko’s striker, Amoah, a glorious chance to steal the lead for Asante Kotoko.
Amoah calmly placed the ball across the goal line after Assibey and Asare found themselves wondering and crawling on the pitch after they failed to defend the ball.
The goal erupted an intensive celebration and jubilation scene as coach Prosper Ogum wildly removed his red tie and lay on the pitch in joy.
Kotoko’s win over Hearts of Oak records the Porcupines’ third consecutive league win over their bitter rivals.
At this juncture of the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League season fixture after Matchday week 13, Kotoko has climbed to the sixth place on the table, with Hearts of Oak dropping to the seventh position.
2024/25 Ghana Premier League Week 13: Kotoko 1:0 Hearts of Oak. Lineup and Player Ratings
Asante Kotoko vs. Accra Hearts of Oak lineup for 2024/25 Ghana Premier League Week 13 clash at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
Kotoko lineup
Accra Hearts of Oak lineup
