Albert Amoah’s Injury-Time Goal Seal Kotoko’s 1-0 Triumph Over Hearts of Oak”
In a pulsating clash at the Baba Yara Stadium, Albert Amoah’s injury-time strike earned Asante Kotoko a hard-fought 1-0 victory over their rivals, Hearts of Oak, on Sunday.
The decisive moment unfolded in added time when a lapse in communication between Hearts’ defender Kelvin Osei Asibey and goalkeeper Benjamin Asare handed Amoah the perfect opportunity.
The forward capitalized on the error, slotting the ball into the net and sparking wild celebrations among the home supporters.
Kotoko began the game with high intensity, pressing Hearts deep into their half. Within just 27 seconds, Hearts’ goalkeeper Benjamin Asare was called into action, pulling off a stunning save to keep Kotoko at bay and set the tone for an exciting encounter.
As the match progressed, Hearts of Oak grew into the game, dominating possession but struggling to carve out clear scoring chances. Meanwhile, Kotoko’s Albert Amoah remained a constant thorn in Hearts’ defense. In the 30th minute, he was denied a goal by a brilliant last-ditch tackle from Osei Asibey. Eight minutes later, Amoah had the ball in the net, only for his effort to be ruled offside.
Just before halftime, Kotoko’s Baba Yahaya squandered a golden opportunity, firing over the bar after expertly dribbling past his marker.
The second half saw a revitalized Hearts of Oak, led by the dynamic Salim Adams in midfield. Adams orchestrated several dangerous moves, including a perfectly weighted pass to Kwabena Boateng, whose goal-bound shot was heroically blocked by a Kotoko defender. The game became an end-to-end battle, with both sides missing opportunities to break the deadlock.
From hero to villain in seconds.
Kelvin Osei Asibey, who was announced Man of the Match, was involved in a mix up that led to Albert Amoah scoring the winner for Asante Kotoko in the final minute of additional time.
FT Asante Kotoko 1-0 Hearts of Oak#JoySports pic.twitter.com/rFbXfaylAw
— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) December 15, 2024
As the clock ticked down, the match seemed destined to end in a stalemate. However, the dramatic finale arrived in stoppage time when a moment of indecision between Osei Asibey and Asare gifted Amoah a chance to pounce. With composure and precision, he finished clinically, securing three crucial points for Kotoko.
The victory not only strengthens Asante Kotoko’s position in the league but also delivers a significant psychological blow to Hearts of Oak in Ghana’s most storied football rivalry. The dramatic ending ensured this encounter will be remembered as another classic in the annals of their fierce competition.