Vincent Atingah’s second half penalty earned Hearts of Oak their first victory over Kotoko in Accra as the Phobians beat their rivals 1-0.

In a game marked with several stoppages, it was Awudu Nafiu’s handball which proved to be the decisive moment as referee Samuel Sucker whistled for a penalty.

The game itself began on a mysterious note as three Hearts players went down in quick succession without being touched by an opponent.

These theatrics did not totally distort the flow of the game as Kotoko by and large dominated the first half with the pace of Emmanuel Gyamfi , Frank Sarfo Gyamfi and Ashittey Ollenu proving a handful for Hearts.

Malik Akowuah mysteriously pulls up after seconds. No contact whatsoever. #joysports pic.twitter.com/6TGztAHMWv

— #JoySports 99.7FM (@JoySportsGH) March 19, 2017

Despite their dominance, Kotoko failed to create any clear cut chance while Hearts found it tough to string their passes together.

Word has it round the stadium that Kotoko were due an early goal through consultation hence the antics by Hearts. #joysports

— #JoySports 99.7FM (@JoySportsGH) March 19, 2017

After recess, Hearts coach Frank Nuttall introduced Patrick Razak and the change brought a new lease of life into Hearts who began to be more threatening  but their dominance dwindled a bit as the game began to become more of an even contest.

With the game heading towards an end, Kotoko introduced Baba Mahama while Hearts introduced Cosmos Dauda.Both players made important contributions as they injected pace and trickery but Cosnos Dauda had the most telling contribution starting a move which saw the ball find its way to Sam Yeboah with his shot coming off the hand of Awudu Nafiu.

A victory for Hearts who inflict on Kotoko their first league defeat of the season

 

GOAL! Atingah tucks it away #joysports pic.twitter.com/IWVXYxs3Wh

— #JoySports 99.7FM (@JoySportsGH) March 19, 2017