GhanaFA

Hearts see red in defeat to Kotoko

12 years ago
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The 'Super Clash' produced the goals, thrills, the good, the bad and the ugly side of football as Asante Kotoko claim all the spoils.

A resolute Asante Kotoko sealed an injury-time winner against 10-man Hearts of Oak to win 2-1 in on Sunday in the Glo Premier League.

Hearts of Oak had Laryea Kingston sent off in the second half for a bad challenge.

The Porcupine Warriors have thus opened a 12-point lead at the summit of the standings following victory over their rivals.

Kofi Nti Boakye opened the scoring at the packed Baba Yara Stadium when he nodded in past goalkeeper Philemon McCarthy in the 36th minute.

Kotoko looked the better side in the opening half as the Phobians had McCarthy, Samuel Enzemabah and Owusu Sefa all booked to end the half 1-0 up.

Two minutes into the start of the second half, Hearts were reduced to yen men after Kingston charged into an opponent with his studs landing on his shin.

Referee Solomon Mordey gave out a straight red card and afterwards, the Phobians even played better.

Hearts piled on the pressure as Kotoko failed to take advantage of their numerical strength.

Mahatma Otoo's introduction proved to be a added plus to Hearts coach C.K. Akunnor as his team started asking questions of the Kotoko backline.

Kotoko appeared to be cruising home to victory when they conceded a foul on the edge of the box in the 90th minute.

Otoo smashed the ball and it cannoned off the side post before rolling into the back of the net leaving goalkeeper Soulama Abdoulaye shocked.

The goal lifted the Hearts fans but Kotoko responded instantly when Michael Akuffu struck a 30 yard effort into the top corner to beat Sammy Adjei who had replaced the injured McCarthy.