2024/25 Ghana Premier League Match Report: Albert Amoah fires late to hand Asante Kotoko a sweet win over sworn rivals Hearts of Oak

Asante Kotoko scored in the closing moment to emerge victors of the first Super-Clash of the season after narrowly edging bitter rivals Hearts of Oak by 1-0 in a frenetic 95 minutes at Baba Yara Stadium. 

The Porcupine Warriors made a very good start with Albert Amoah pouncing on a huge clanger from the visitors backline but his shot was stopped by goalkeeper Benjamin Asare.

In the eighth minute, the Hearts of Oak fans screamed for a penalty after Salim Adams appeared to have been fouled in the box by Justice Blay but the referee waved play on.

Hamza Issah served nicely in the box by Kwame Boateng but the former from a close range blasted the ball wide off the crossbar. 

Albert Amoah was put through with a delicious defense-splitting pass from Baba Yahaya, the striker accelerated into enemy territory looking to slot home but a great slide-tackle from Osei Asibey rescued the situation for the visitors. 

In the dying embers of the first half, Albert Amoah scored with a very cool finish but had his goal flagged off for an offside by the assistant line two. Few moments later, Baba Yahaya followed up with a big chance in the box after flooring everyone but fired wide beyond target. 

The Phobians started the second half well with some sumptuous exchange of passes. Salim Adams put Kwame Boateng through with a decent pass but the latter spent so much time on the ball which eventually was cleared by Patrick Asiedu. 

Asante Kotoko still had the advantage having dominated and still getting the chances in the early stages of the second half but still couldn't make them count.

Patrick Asiedu came so close to scoring from a free kick in the 66th minute but his beautiful delivery was parried away by goalkeeper Benjamin Asare.

Mawuli Wayo with a big chance to snatch the lead with three minutes to go but his strike was tipped off by goalkeeper Mohammed Camara. 

In the final kick of the game, a huge miscommunication from the Hearts of Oak defense fell kindly for Albert Amoah who comfortably slotted in the net to win it for the homesters. 

Asante Kotoko after being wasteful in the game will definitely focus on working on their conversion rate before their next visit to Dreams FC.

While Hearts of Oak will also focus on improving their way of defending as they host Berekum Chelsea in the next round of matches.

By: Iddriss Abdul Rahim