Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko re-ignited their rivalry in a week seven outstanding game of the 2021/22 Ghana Premier League on Sunday.
In an almost fully packed Accra Sports Stadium following government’s directive for the increment in percentage of fans’ entry, teeming supporters from both ends chanted and sang accolades of their clubs in a sweltering afternoon.
Hearts of Oak swiftly got of their mark and made the first 20 minutes their own with midfielder, Gladson Awako coming close to scoring twice and Sulley Muntari nearly firing an over kick opener with his weaker right foot.
Kotoko will leave nothing to chance with Cameroon striker, Franck Etouga forcing Hearts goalkeeper, Richard Attah to pull a spectacular save to keep the Phobians in the game.
The defending league champions kept digging deep in search of the first goal which they could have fetched through striker, Kwadwo Obeng Junior but his strike hit the upright after Daniel Afriyie Barnieh’s well placed pass.
Asante Kotoko’s left back, Imoro Ibrahim came up with a superb free kick however his strike went a fraction wide off the post to still keep the game barren.
Dickson Afoakwa will make one of his best moves of the afternoon after going past Fatawu Mohammed at right back for Hearts with his ferocious hit going side-netting.
Richard Attah saved a scoring situation one more time for the Phobians after Georges Mfegue’s squeezed strike came straight at him.
Asante Kotoko looked better in the second half and could have shot themselves into the lead but Franck Etouga will however head wide Patrick Asmah’s cross.
A combination between Georges Mfegue and Patrick Asmah could have pinned Hearts of Oak down unluckily, Richmond Lamptey hit straight at Richard Attah who was phenomenal in post for the 2000 CAF Champions League winners.
Richmond Lamptey tormented the 21 time champions yet again after a defensive lapse by Dennis Korsah but his strike will be palmed out by Richard Attah after initially spilling the ball much to the relief of Hearts of Oak’s fans.
Referee Rustum Senorgbeh will whistle for the end of the biggest clash on the Ghana football calendar between the two biggest rivals.
