Throwback: Daniel Afriyie scored against Kotoko a day after his birthday as Hearts beat Kotoko 1-0 in the Super Clash 

On this day 27 June 2021 ( a exactly 1 year ago) Accra Hearts of Oak beat Kumasi Asante Kotoko 1-0 in the top of the table clash at Accra sports in the Ghana Premier League match day 31.

It was a game that was hyped and rightly so. For the first time, both Hearts of Oak and Kotoko went into the game so crucial that the winner of it will literally have one hand on the league title.

Going into the game, both teams have 56 points each. Hearts knew only a goalless draw or a win will keep them at the summit while Kotoko needed a scoring draw or a win to overtake their rivals.

And on the day both set out to win from the blast of the whilst.

In the first department of few chances, both Hearts and Kotoko came closer on a few occasions. Hearts of Oak had lost their talismanic midfielders Emmanuel Nettey on injury in as early as the 10th minutes.

Typical of big games, there was a lot of caution from both sides, with both Coaches careful not to make a mistake in the early stages of the game.

But the game really came alive in the second half with Hearts and Kotoko eager to get a win.

Hearts of Oak however were the better of the side on the day, playing comfortable and in the middle of the park.

Hearts of Oak’s probing finally paid off in the 66th- minute when in- form Daniel Afriyie smashed a deflated shot into the roof of the net.

Kotoko threw everything forward from that point and and should have had an equalizer when Augustine Okrah had just Hearts goalkeeper Richard Attah to beat fluffed his lines.

Hearts of Oak held on and even had chances to double their lead to record a famous victory against Kotoko. The game ended 1-0 in favor of Oak and they top the GPL table with 59 points.

Both teams line ups

Hearts of Oak

Richard Attah GK
Fatawu Mohammed (C)
Raddy Ovouka
Mohammed Alhassan
Robert Addo Sowah
Benjamin Afutu
Emmanuel Nettey
Daniel Afriyie
Kwadwo Obeng junior
Patrick Razak
Ibrahim Salifu

Subs:
Benjamin Mensah GK
Larry Sumaila
William Dankyi
Abdul Manaf Umar
Victor Aidoo
Caleb Amankwah
Frederick Ansah Botchway

Coach Samuel Boadu

Asante Kotoko

Kwame Baah GK
Emmanuel Gyamfi (C)
Christopher Nettey
Salifu Mudasiru
Andrews Appu
Ibrahim Imoro
Evans Adomako
Habib Mohammed
Fabio Gama
Patrick Asmah
Abdul Ganiyu

Sub:

Felix Annan GK
Samuel Frimpong
Adom Frimpong
Andy Kumi
Mubarak Yussif
Augustine Okrah

Coach: Mariano Barreto

Match officials

Referees: Daniel Laryea
Line 1: Kwasi Brobbey
Line 2: Patrick Papala
4th Referees: Benjamin Kwame Sefah