Kotoko silences Hearts as Etouga’s solitary strike stings Phobians in Super Clash

Frank Etouga Mbella’s first-half penalty settled the scores between Ghana’s most glamorous clubs Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak in their matchday 24 Premier League encounter.

 

The Cameroon striker sent Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Richmond Ayi the wrong way as he calmly slotted home from the spot following a foul on midfielder Fabio Gama in the box.

 

Both sides came close after creating some decent chances but it was the Reds who held on to take all three points in front of their fans at the Baba Yara Sports stadium.

 

The Phobians handed former Asante Kotoko right-back Samuel Inkoom his debut after coming on in the second half, but midfielder Sulley Muntari was absent.

 

Hearts of Oak now trail their rivals by sixteen points and it looks like there is no way for them to retain the title they won last season.

 

The Porcupine Warriors got off to a great start, creating the best chances in the early exchanges as the Phobians slowly warmed their way into the match.

 

Hearts of Oak midfielder Mohammed Nurudeen was punished after he handled Brazilian midfielder Fabio Gama in the box, with referee Kennedy Padi judging it as a penalty.

 

Frank Etouga elected himself for the spotted kick, and cooly converted to hand Kotoko the winner after just 16 minutes on the clock.

 

The Phobians tried to wrestle for at least a point but it was too late for the side from the capital.

Source: Sports Brief.com