Ghanaian giant Kumasi Asante Kotoko SC came from a goal down to beat arch rivals Accra Hearts of Oak SC on a hot Sunday afternoon at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
Hearts of Oak got the opener on the 39th minute mark of the match when Linda Mtange rose highest in the box to score to put the hosts 1-0 up with a beautiful and powerful header to make it 1-0.
However, the drama didn’t stop there. As the first half drew to a close, Isaac Oppong emerged as the hero for the away team, Asante Kotoko. His well-timed strike found the back of the net, leveling the scoreline at 1-1. The visiting fans erupted in jubilation, their team proving resilient against the early setback.
As the second half commenced, the intensity only heightened. Kotoko showcased resilience and determination, seizing control of the game. Their efforts materialized in the 56th minute when Steven Dese Mukwala capitalized on a defensive lapse, putting Kotoko ahead for the first time with a clinical finish.Controversy ensued in the 60th minute when Hearts vehemently protested an offside decision leading up to Mukwala’s goal.
The referee, however, stood firm in the face of protests, allowing the goal to stand and further fueling the intensity of the rivalry.Kotoko continued to exploit gaps in the Hearts defense, with Mukwala securing his brace in the 72nd minute, extending Kotoko’s lead to 3-1.
The away supporters erupted in joy, sensing a pivotal victory against their bitter rivals.Hearts, facing a daunting deficit, rallied in a desperate attempt to salvage the match. The closing moments saw them committing men forward, and their persistence paid off in injury time. Hearts managed to pull one back, narrowing the deficit to 3-2 and setting the stage for a tense finale.
The Baba Yara Stadium reverberated with emotions as the final whistle approached. Hearts threw everything into the attack, but Kotoko’s defense held firm.
The referee’s whistle eventually echoed, signaling Asante Kotoko’s triumphant 3-2 victory and igniting celebrations among the players and fans.The Super Clash lived up to its billing, delivering a spectacle of football drama and rivalry.
Asante Kotoko not only secured a crucial win but also etched their name in the history of this storied encounter. The bragging rights for this season belonged to Kotoko, leaving Hearts of Oak to regroup and reflect on a pulsating contest that will linger in the memories of football enthusiasts for some time.
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