Baba Adamu’s early strike secured a crucial 1-0 victory for Accra Hearts of Oak over Asante Kotoko in Week 22 of the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League at the Baba Yara Stadium.
The Phobians claimed a hard-fought win despite playing most of the game with ten men, ending Kotoko’s unbeaten home run in Kumasi this season and tightening the title race.
Adamu broke the deadlock in the 14th minute with a looping header that beat goalkeeper Mohammed Camara, who was caught off guard by the flight of the ball. The early goal stunned the home fans and handed Hearts a valuable advantage in the fiercely contested Super Clash.
Hearts of Oak looked comfortable in the opening exchanges, controlling possession and dictating the tempo. However, the game changed when right-back Emmanuel Amankwah received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge, reducing the visitors to ten men.
Following the dismissal, Hearts adopted a disciplined defensive shape, sitting deep and frustrating Kotoko’s attempts to find an equaliser. The Porcupine Warriors pushed forward but struggled to carve out clear-cut chances.
Raphael Amponsah came close to sealing the victory for Hearts but failed to convert a one-on-one opportunity. Kotoko intensified their pressure in the closing stages, launching wave after wave of attacks, yet their efforts were denied by an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Benjamin Asare.
Asare delivered a commanding display between the posts and was deservedly named Man of the Match after keeping a clean sheet under intense pressure.
The victory marks Hearts of Oak’s first league triumph over Kotoko in Kumasi since the 2020/21 season. The result lifts the Phobians to second place on the league table, just five points behind leaders Medeama, keeping their title hopes alive.
Kotoko remain outside the top four and will look to bounce back in their next fixture against Young Apostles, while Hearts of Oak prepare to host Berekum Chelsea in their upcoming match.
