In the 107th league meeting between Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko, it was the Porcupine Warriors who once again painted Accra red after securing a last gasp 2-1 victory.

Justice Blay gave the Reds an early lead which was cancelled by Joseph Esso in the second half.

In added time, Kotoko were awarded a penalty which was calmy converted by Naby Keita to give Konadu’s men all the three points.

The Joy Sports team rates the players of both Hearts and Kotoko after a pulsating Super Clash.

HEARTS OF OAK

Richard Atta – 4

Could have commanded his area better for Blay’s goal. He made a crucial save in the second half to deny Emmanuel Gyamfi.

Fatawu Mohammed – 5.5

Was solid at the back as he kept Emmanuel Gyamfi quiet for most parts of the game.

Raddy Ovouka – 4

Could have been better defensively but it was his cross that led to Esso’s equaliser.

Robert Addo – 3

Struggled to deal with most of Kotoko’s attacks and didn’t look too convincing on the ball. He was at fault for Blay’s goal as he sat too deep and allowed the Kotoko midfielder to outjump him.

Mohammed Alhassan – 2

Looked lethargic for most parts of the game and conceded penalty the final minutes to give Kotoko the win.

Benjamin Afutu – 3

Gave away too many free-kicks as he was limited after getting booked very early in the game.

Frederick Ansah – 4

Got dispossessed on a number of occasions as he tried to overdo the simple things.

Emmanuel Nettey – 4.5

Looked energetic but his final balls were poor at the beginning of the game. Gradually grew into the game but never really had an influence on the match.

Daniel Afriyie – 4

Drove forward a lot but failed to create any cutting edge opportunities.

Joseph Esso – 6

The best player for the Phobians as he was their most potent threat on the day. Didn’t come as a surprise when he scored their equaliser and would be disappointed he had to come off due to injury.

Kofi Kordzi – 3

Failed to pick up the right positions In the match and left his shooting boots at home as his efforts failed to test Baah.

Substitutes

Bernard Arthur – N/A

Abdulaziz Nurudeen – N/A

Coach

Edward Nii Odoom – 5

Played his cards well in terms of neutralising this Kotoko side as Hearts looked like the better team overall.

ASANTE KOTOKO

Kwame Baah – 5

Wasn’t really tested throughout the game until Hearts equalised. He looked confident on the ball and didn’t make Kotoko miss Felix Annan so much.

Christopher Nettey – 5.5

He looked very energetic as he never stopped running. He looked good going forward and defended well.

Patrick Yeboah – 4.5

Attacked very well on the left flank but could improve defensively as he was booked in the first half.

Wahab Adams – 6

Had a good game at the back and was particularly impressive at the beginning of the second half.

Habib Mohammed – 5

Made some good tackles and generally enjoyed his partnership with Adams.

Justice Blay – 7.5

Won the man of the match award and rightly so. Bossed the game from start to finish as he scored his second goal of the season so far.

Mudasiru Salifu – 2

Barely had a chance to impact the game as he was replaced after 28 minutes due to injury.

Amos Frimpong - 5

Had a fairly quiet game but won a number of duels in the middle of the park.

Emmanuel Gyamfi – 5

Came into this game with a lot of expectations as he was dubbed as one of the possible game-changers. The responsibility seems to have dawned on him as he was a shadow of himself.

Augustine Okrah – 6

Didn’t look happy coming off but he contributed a lot to Kotoko’s attack. His set-pieces terrified the Hearts defence as one found the head of Justice Blay for their first goal.

Naby Keita – 6.5

Looked out of sorts for majority of the game but when it mattered most, he delivered. He will be remembered as the man that won the Super Clash for Kotoko.

Substitutes

Mathew Cudjoe - 6.5

Looked good and created a chance for Emmanuel Gyamfi. It was his effort that won the penalty for Kotoko.

Collins Ameyaw – 4.5

Replaced Salifu early in the game but he failed to leave a mark in the middle of the park.

Richard Arthur – N/A

Coach

Maxwell Konadu – 7

Remains unbeaten against Hearts of Oak but it was the decision to bring Mathew Cudjoe on that won the game for the Porcupine Warriors.

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