Ten-man Hearts of Oak stun Asante Kotoko at Baba Yara

Accra Hearts of Oak produced a spirited performance to defeat arch-rivals Asante Kotoko despite being reduced to ten men in a dramatic encounter at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

The Phobians showed resilience and tactical discipline to secure a crucial victory away from home, overturning expectations after going a man down in the second half.

The sending-off appeared to tilt the momentum in Kotoko’s favour, but Hearts held firm and capitalised on their chances to silence the home crowd.

Kotoko started strongly, pressing high and creating early opportunities, but Hearts remained compact at the back. The game took a dramatic turn when a Hearts player received a red card, forcing the visitors to reorganise defensively while looking to strike on the counterattack.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, Hearts managed to find the decisive goal, showcasing determination and clinical finishing. Kotoko pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but wasteful finishing and resolute defending denied them a breakthrough.

The result marks a significant boost for Hearts in the Ghana Premier League standings and reinforces their dominance in one of Ghana’s fiercest football rivalries. For Kotoko, the defeat at home raises questions about missed chances and defensive lapses in key moments.

The clash once again lived up to its billing as a thrilling chapter in the storied rivalry between Ghana’s two most decorated clubs.