A spectacular strike by Patrick Razak handed Accra Hearts of Oak a deserved victory over arch-rivals, Kumasi Asante Kotoko in Kumasi.
Hearts of Oak went into the match ninth on the table and three points behind Asante Kotoko, but the win has lifted the Phobians up the table and level on points with Kotoko.
Both sides went into the game with inconsistent form so far this season, but the scale of the pundits appeared to have tilted towards the Porcupine Warriors on paper as Hearts’ inconsistencies have been more pronounced.
But true to encounters between the two sides, Hearts of Oak once again proved that matches involving the two sides don’t follow form guide.
The Phobians, playing comfortably at the Baba Yara Stadium, where they believe is their ‘home’, took the game to their hosts and deservedly snatched the points.
After a goalless first half, Patrick Razak, who was Kotoko’s tormentor in chief, fired in a spectacular strike in the 64th minute which turned out to be the match winner.
Nasco man of the match, Razak, who also equalized for Hearts in last year’s 1:1 premier league draw in Kumasi, displayed admirable composure and control, before firing past goalkeeper Felix Annan for his fourth goal of the season.
Coaches Paa Kwesi Fabian and Henry Wellington were under the spotlight of their respective fans ahead if the match and the win certainly present contrasting fortunes for the two coaches. While the win presents coach Wellington some respite, the defeat will pile more pressure on Fabian going into week 11 of the Ghana Premier League.
On Wednesday, Kotoko travels to Karela United while Hearts of Oak host Liberty Professionals on Thursday in Cape Coast in the match day 11 fixture.
