Hearts of Oak have taken a huge step towards the Ghana Premier League title following a 1-0 over Asante Kotoko in the Super Clash on Sunday. 

A cagey opening 45 minutes ended goalless at the Accra Sports Stadium with no clear cut scoring opportunities.

However, the Phobians were slightly the better team against a Kotoko side that lacked a focal point in attack with Fabio Gama starting as a false nine.

Hearts of Oak’s best chance of the half fell to Daniel Barnieh Afriyie early in the game but his snap shot from close range was blocked by Abdul Ganiyu.

On the 20th minute mark, Patrick Asmah’s freekick which was destined for the right top corner forced a decent from Hearts goalkeeper Richard Attah.

The other real talking point of the first half came when Coach Samuel Boadu was forced into an earl substitution following Emmanuel Nettey’s injury. Frederick Ansah Botchway was brought on to take his place.

After the recess, Hearts of Oak began to assert themselves especially in midfield and started to ask more questions of the Kotoko backline.

Coach Mariano Baretto decided to shake things up in the 54th minute with the introduction of Francis Kumi as replacement for Evans Adomako.

Despite the change in Kotoko’s set-up, it was the Phobians who kept dominating proceedings and deservedly got their noses in front in the 66th minute.

Daniel Barnieh Afriyie fired home from the half turn in the box after latching unto Botchway’s pass.

The Porcupine Warriors came close to restoring parity in the 78th minute but Augustine Okra’s close range effort was shot straight into the hands of the goalkeeper.

It was game management from then on from Hearts of Oak who held on to hand Kotoko their first defeat in 10 games.

More importantly, the result sees Hearts of Oak take a three point lead at the summit of the table with three matches to go.

Match Summary:

Hearts of Oak 1-0 Asante Kotoko

Daniel Barnieh 66′

How both teams lined-up: