Hearts of Oak’s never-say-die spirit came to bare as they managed to avoid defeat away to arch-rivals Asante Kotoko in the first installment of the 2022/23 Ghana Premier League (GPL) Super Clash on Sunday.
The Phobians were outplayed by the defending champions and were lucky to escape the opening half at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium with a barren stalemate.
It took 57 minutes for the deadlock to be broken. Kotoko deservedly went ahead. Captain Richard Boadu’s shot after free-kick was not properly dealt with by goalkeeper Richmond Ayi, saw predating centre-back Yussif’ Mubarick tucking the ball into the net.
With a couple of changes after taking the lead, Kotoko appeared to have taken their foot off the pedal but were still the better side and squandering chances. Isaac Oppong and Steven Mukwala were the worst culprits of the day.
Amidst his profligacy, the Ugandan striker would feel hard done by referee Selorm Yao Bless’ decision to ignore at least two penalty infringements on him.
Kotoko would later have themselves to blame for failing to bury their numerous chances as Hearts levelled with just two minutes from the 90.
A free-kick near the edge of the box effected by Suraj Seidu saw Caleb Amankwah connecting home with a header at near post. The centre-back and a colleague had taken off to meet the ball even before the kick was taken but neither referee Yao Bless nor his assistant 2 spotted the offside. Hearts would celebrate yet another late equaliser just as they did at home against Great Olympics last weekend.
The two sides went on to settle for a share of the spoils after playing four more minutes of additional time.
Yussif Mubarick of Kotoko was named man-of-the-match.
Asante Kotoko thus have 1 point from their first game of the campaign. The Porcupine Warriors have two games in hand – vs Nsoatreman FC in Kumasi (to be cleared on Wednesday, September 28) and away to Bechem United.
Hearts of Oak, meanwhile, are enduring an uninspiring start to the 2022/23 GPL. They have amassed just two points after match-day 3.
