Asante Kotoko’s impressive home record at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi came to an end as Hearts of Oak secured a stunning 1-0 win.
The Phobians, led by coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani, held on to their lead despite being reduced to 10 men in the 34th minute, thanks to a red card for Emmanuel Amankwah.
Baba Adamu’s 14th-minute header, courtesy of Martin Karikari’s free kick, proved to be the decisive goal. The Hearts of Oak goalkeeper, Benjamin Asare, was outstanding, making crucial saves to earn the man of the match award, keeping another clean sheet.
The win marks Hearts of Oak’s first victory over Kotoko in Kumasi since the 2020/21 season, ending Kotoko’s 10-game unbeaten home run. Hearts of Oak’s defensive solidity shines through, conceding only 7 goals in 21 matches, with Asare playing a key role in 12 clean sheets.
With this win, Hearts of Oak moves to third place on the league table with 39 points from 22 matches, having won 11, drawn 6, and lost 5. They’re now 5 points behind leaders Medeama SC.
Kotoko, on the other hand, drops to fifth place with 35 points from 22 matches, having won 10, drawn 5, and lost 7.