Hearts of Oak produced a resilient performance to defeat arch-rivals Asante Kotoko 1-0 in a tense Ghana Premier League encounter at the Baba Yara Stadium.
The Phobians took an early lead in the 13th minute, setting the tone for a fiercely contested match. Their challenge intensified when Emmanuel Amankwah was sent off in the 28th minute after receiving a second yellow card, leaving Hearts to defend their advantage with 10 men for most of the contest.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Hearts of Oak remained organised and disciplined at the back, withstanding sustained pressure from Kotoko. Controversy arose in first-half stoppage time when Mawuli Wayo was brought down in a potential last-man incident, but the referee allowed play to continue, much to the frustration of the visitors.
Hearts’ composure and determination ultimately saw them through as they secured a significant victory on hostile territory. The result also ended Kotoko’s unbeaten home league run for the season.
The win lifts Hearts of Oak into second place on the table, five points behind leaders Medeama SC, and keeps their title push alive as the Ghana Premier League moves into the final phase of the 2025/26 season.
