Daniel Afriyie Barnieh
Razor sharp form Hearts of Oak yesterday inched closer to their league title dream when they posted a 1-0 over their bitterest rival Asante Kotoko in Accra.
The win, courtesy a Daniel Afriyie Barnieh second half bullet, which Kwame Baah stretched in vain to grab maintained Hearts’ seven run dominance over Kotoko in ‘deciders’.
And with three games to end the season, the victory handed Hearts a three clear point lead in the hotly contested league race.
Hearts, having gone over a decade without the league title, played their hearts out particularly after recess.
Samuel Boadu made an early substitution when midfielder Emmanuel Nettey suffered a leg injury after tackling Emmanuel Gyamfi on the goal line, and brought on Frederick Ansah Botchway.
Kotoko survived an early scare when Abdul Ganiyu had to be at his best in defence to block an Afriyie Barnieh terrific strike.
The Porcupine Warriors began well but failed in all their attempts.
A member of the Hearts’ technical bench received the first booking of the match after Benjamin Afutu fouled Fabio Gama.
By Kofi Owusu Aduonum