Konadu Yiadom's second half header was enough for Hearts of Oak to beat Asante Kotoko 1-0 to claim all three points and also emerged as champions of this year's President Cup.
Coach Slavko Matic made four changes in the team that played in their last game, introducing Benjamin Yorke, Amankwah Baafi, Kwadwo Obeng and Caleb Amankwah this time.
On the part of Kotoko, Seydou Zerbo made no changes in the team that played against Bechem United during the midweek
The 'Phobians' started with so much confidence and took the game at Kotoko right from onset, called Danlad Ibrahim to action, having pulled two huge stops to deny an opener after seven minutes.
The Porcupine Warriors looked completely relaxed, having much of the ball and just swinging passes among themselves with no any dangerous incursions in the opening minutes.
Richmond Lamptey breaks on the 22nd minute from midfield and sent a strong hit but could only result into side net.
The exchanges continued between the two sides but all yielded nothing as it finished goalless at half time.
Back from recess, Kotoko returned on a good note, a quick free kick to Mukwala who laid off to George Mfegue in the box but a great slide clearance from Konadu Yiadom saved the situation.
Hearts of Oak finally snatched the lead on the 56th minute through Konadu Yiadom who headed into the net from Linda Mtange's free kick and left the 'Phobians' in complete raptures.
Quick response from Kotoko but just unlucky as Steven Mukwala failed to make good use of his 62nd minute goal-bound opportunity, having struck at the throat of goalkeeper Richmond Ayi
Ivorian import Serge Zeze was put through with a decent pass in search of the leveller but couldn't communicate well with his final decision.
The Porcupine Warriors with a huge chance to get back on level terms on the 89th minute mark but Steven Mukwala's header from Agyapong's free kick went off the upright. That was close!
Referee blew his whistle to end the game after 90+6 minutes. Hearts of Oak with an important 1-0 win to snatch the three points and also emerge as champions of the 2023 President Cup.
By: Iddriss Abdul Rahim
