Ghana: Asante Kotoko breaks 16 year Jinx

  1. Posted on Tuesday 16 June 2009 - 18:45
    Daniel
    Image of Daniel
    Daniel Nana Aforo, VoicesofAfrica alumnus, Accra, Ghana
    Defending Premier League Champions Kumasi Asante Kotoko has beaten their arch rival Accra Hearts of Oak by a lone goal on Sunday at the Ohene Gyan Sports Stadium in Accra. For 16 years, Asante Kotoko also known as the ‘Porcupine Warriors’ have not defeated their bitter rivals Accra Hearts of Oak in a league match at the Ohene Gyan Sports Stadium in Accra.
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    The 22 week Globacom sponsored league was the top liner as pundits have described as Ghana's own El Classico. The only goal was registered in the 75 minutes when Francis Coffie beautifully headed the match winning goal through Harrison Afful free kick. Hearts of Oak Captain Hassan Mohammed has recklessly fouled Black Stars and Asante Kotoko lateral defender at the edge of the 18 yard box.

    Although Hearts of Oak controlled the game in the first half but failed to bally few chances coming their way. The Porcupine Warriors came into the came from the 55 minutes after Hearts of Oak Head Coach has pulled off their midfield dynamo Jojo Bossman,allowing Kotoko to capitalize on the fifty-fifty balls at the center. The win brought a huge relief to the vociferous spectators of Asante Kotoko who lost 2-1 to Hearts of Oak in the first round of the league at their home ground in Baba Yara Stadium.

    Hearts of Oak with their motto ‘Never say Die, until the bones are rotten’ their ever powerful singing supporters cheered on their boys but could not materialized for an equalizer. The game which was won from the bench saw the Head Coach of Asante Kotoko Herbert Addo introduced three attackers upfront for more goals, whereas his compatriot Kostadin Papic infuse in players admired by the fans but failed to glitter. Ten minutes after the goal, Kotoko maintained their tempo and almost succeeded in authenticating the lead in added-on time but Asamoah's connection from a Kwabena Yaro's cross from the right missed by inches.

    History has shown that matches of the two glamorous clubs are not won by form guard but the one with determination, discipline and can do spirit. By the defeat, Hearts' lead at the top has been reduced to seven points, whilst Kotoko move to the fifth position with 10 points adrift of Hearts.

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