Badly-bruised Asante Kotoko’s desire to dispatch their perennial foes, Hearts of Oak empty handed with a win did not materialize when the two clashed in Kumasi yesterday.
A win would have quickly erased the 1-4 loss to Ebusua Dwarfs in their mid week game as well as push them back to the first three spot on the ladder.
Kotoko showed brilliance in the early minutes and that resulted in the opener when Kwame Boateng capitalized on a rebound in the 16th minute to beat goalkeeper Soulama Abdulae, who made a brilliant first attempt.
The Porcupine Warriors managed to guard against the slender lead for the remaining first half.
Sleek winger Patrick Razak cancelled the lead after racing past two Kotoko defenders to beat advancing and intelligent goalkeeper Ernest Sowah after the break.
Kotoko trainer Michael Osei in a post-match questioning said “I am not happy that we didn’t get all the three maximum points but I can say that I am hugely impressed with the standard of play this afternoon.”
“Of course these are the two biggest sides in Ghana and I must accept that the level of play is great in this game. We are going to prepare for the Edubiase game.”
Hearts of Oak’s coach Sergio Traguil on the other hand pointed out that “I am happy for picking a point from no other side than Kotoko and on away grounds.”
GPL Scores @ A Glance
Hasmal 2, Dreams 0
Chelsea 2, Edubiase 1
WAFA 2, Dreams 0
T. City 2, Allies 0
Ashgold 1, Dwarfs 1
Aduana 1, Liberty 0
Kotoko 1, Hearts 1
All Stars – Medeama (Shelved)
By Kofi Owusu Aduonum