A Francis Coffie incisive second half header handed Kumasi Asante Kotoko their first ever victory over rivals Accra Hearts of Oak at the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium in 16 years.
Hearts looked the more likely side to win after dominating play in the first half but created almost next to nothing.
A totally defunct Hearts attack led by Eric Gawu and Samuel Affum posed no threat at all to Kotoko defence led by skipper, Godfred Yeboah.
Back from recess, the Porcupine Warriors were in predatory form, pounding the goal area of the Hearts goal, with Kwadwo Poku posing a mouthful for Hearts' defence.
Poku's 47th minute tap from close range sent kotoko fans jumping to the roof tops in celebration but was ruled off-side by referee Gyasi.
In what appeared a surprise substitution from both managers, Hearts Kosta Papic brought out Francis Bossman who was the Phobian's best performer on the day.
His opposite number, Herbert Addo also brought in Kwabena Yaro for Kwadwo Poku which angered many of the fans but little did they know Herbert's plot.
With Stephen Manu making way for Alex Asamoah, the Hearts defence crumbled from consistent pressure from Asamoah and Yaro.
The Phobian's had by far the glorious opportunity of the day, but substitute Hamzah Abdulai surprisingly shot wide from close range, an opportunity he wished he never missed.
His skipper Hassan Mohammed, gave away a silly free-kick just at the treshhold of the 18 yard box and that turned the story in favour of the Porcupine Warriors.
Man-of-the-match Harrison Afful, expertly converted the kick and Francis Coffie soared above the defenders and planted the ball beyond the stretching grasp of Philemon McCarthy in post for Hearts.
They were hell bent on breaking the 16 year jinx, at the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium and Coffie's goal couldn't have come at a better time.
The Phobians were completely out of sorts as Affum and Gawu continuously occupied space upfront giving Kotoko's goal keeper a complete holiday.
Charles Taylor who came on for Bossman and the leading goal scorer, Obed Ansah were kept completely anonymous for most part of the second half and Ansah eventually limped off the field for Tofik Djibril.
The Porcupine Warriors fiercely defended their 1-0 lead until the blast of the final whistle to avenge a sweet 1-2 defeat they suffered in the first leg.
Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
Latest Stories
-
I’ve no plans to leave comedy for movie production, says Basketmouth
14 mins -
Akufo-Addo seeks to use Bawumia to complete Akyem Agenda– Asiedu Nketiah
21 mins -
‘Bawku conflict politicised for electoral gains’ -Martin Amidu alleges
23 mins -
‘Let industry players play the game ‘ – AOMC boss slams political interference in oil sector
1 hour -
Let’s learn from ExxonMobil, high flyers must lead the way for mergers – AOMC Boss
1 hour -
‘So many regulations, yet corruption prevails’ – Dr Riverson Oppong on OMC oversaturation
2 hours -
At least 24 dead after two boats capsize off coast of Madagascar
2 hours -
Madina MP lauds White Chapel Youth Group for championing peace ahead of elections
3 hours -
Man United settle for draw at Ipswich Town in Amorim’s first game in charge
3 hours -
GPL 2024/2025: Prince Owusu screamer earns Medeama win over Young Apsotles
3 hours -
BBC visits mpox clinic as WHO says DR Congo cases ‘plateauing’
3 hours -
Burning old TVs to survive in Ghana: The toxic trade in e-waste
4 hours -
Perfume boss admitted he ignored Russia sanctions
4 hours -
Wicked proves popular as opening set to be biggest for Broadway film
4 hours -
Nominee for agriculture secretary completes Trump cabinet
4 hours