It’s been almost nine years Hearts of Oak have still not picked a win against Asante Kotoko at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
Albert Amoah came close to scoring the opener for Asante Kotoko just under 30 seconds into the game but his shot was saved by Benjamin Asare setting the home fans into early sphere of optimism.
Intentions were further made clear as Asante Kotoko relied on long balls to unsettle Hearts of Oak defence which was a bit jittery at the beginning of the game.
Hearts of Oak grew into the game after early scare and Hamza came to close finding the back of the net in the 25th minute but his shot was just wide over the bar.
Hearts of Oak was caught on the break and Albert Amoah’s header was just a whisker away from goal on the 28th minute.
Arguably the best tackle of the game came in the 30th minute when Charles Osei Asibey did it very cleanly on Hearts’ nightmare Albert Amoah after the Phobians were caught on a high defense.
Albert Amoah puts the ball at the back of the net from a beautiful build up was flagged offside by the assistant referee close to ending of half time.
Exchanges ensued the two tactical sides as Kotoko looked well-conditioned physically continued to mount pressure on Hearts to register the opener.
Baba Yaya missed a glorious chance in the 44th minute in the box after a chaotic defending by Hearts’ defenders.
The home side failed to convert the numerous chances that fell their way-thanks to wastefulness upfront and well composed organized Hearts of Oak defence marshalled by Kelvin Osei Asibey as the first half ended barren.
The second half saw an improved Hearts of Oak who looked settle and comfortable on the ball creating chances but were neutralized by Asante Kotoko.
Laud Acquah nearly scored the first goal from outside the box, but his shot was deflected wide just approaching the hour mark.
Benjamin Asare came alive again with a crucial save to deny Albert Amoah close range shot. For large pert of the second half saw a dominant Asante Kotoko continued in earnest to pile pressure to unlock the visitors defence.
The brightest chance all second half fell through for substitute Mawuli Wayo had his well strike shot palmed away by Mohammed Kamara in the 87th minute.
Albert Amoah finally gets a reward for his perseverance and determination as a defensive blunder from Kelvin Osei Asibey and Benjamin Asare got him get the ball freely rolled into the back of the net registering his 7th goal of the season.
Nasco Man of The Match goes to Albert Amoah.
Coach Ogum has now beaten Hearts of Oak four times in five Premier League meetings.
