Razak Mendy is wanted by Swedish clubs

Ghanaian youth midfielder Abdul Razak Mendy has emerged as target for top Swedish second-tier sides after impressing with third-tier side Östersunds FK.

The 21-year-old midfielder excelled in a friendly game for Östersunds FK as they played English side Wigan in the pre-season.

Former Allsvenskan campaigners Halmstad BK as well as Assyriska both monitored the versatile midfielder and are convinced about his qualities.

“Mendy is in Ghana now because the season is over. We are looking at the best options for him to move in January,” Mendy’s Greek agent, Dionysios Georgantopoulos said.

AIK Stockholm scouts have also watched the Kumasi-born midfielder.

Ghana faces Mali in AFCON third-place playoff

Mali have beaten Ghana 2-0 in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations third-place playoff match at Estadio de Malabo on Saturday.

90 + 4’ – The referee blows the whistle for Full Time.

90’ – There will be four minutes of added time.

88’ – Jordan Ayew cracks a shot to the near post but it deflects away off the woodwork. The Black Stars really have had no luck tonight.

86’ – Mali Substitution: Mustapha Yatabare replaces Garra Dembele.

86’ – Mali Substitution: Souleymane Keita replaces Samba Sow.

82’ – This will be the first time Mali have won a third place playoff and their best AFCON finish since being runners-up back in 1972.

– Mali on the counter attack, Adama Tamboura goes free down the left, crosses low for Cheick Diabate to score his second! The Eagles will claim third place!

80’ – Cheick Diabate (Mali) scores!

76’ – Seydou Keita with a curling shot from a free kick… just wide, though Adam Kwarasey seemed to have it covered.

74’ – Oumar Sissoko with a good punch to clear Andre Ayew?s left-footed free kick. Ghana then have a corner kick, but Mali deal with it easily enough.

73’ – Jonathan Mensah with a curling effort from near the ?D? of Mali?s box, but the ball is wide of the target.

71’ – Less than 20 minutes to play now. It?s hard to see a way back for Ghana, who are a goal and a man down in this match.

68’ – Ghana Substitution: Masawudu Alhassan replaces Kwadwo Asamoah.

66’ – Isaac Vorsah is the third Ghanaian to be sent off in AFCON 2012. It?s a major blow to the Black Stars? hopes in this game…

– Ghana are down to ten men, Isaac Vorsah has picked up his second yellow card and is sent off!

64’ – Isaac Vorsah (Ghana) is sent off.

61’ – Past the hour mark now, still 1-0 to Mali.

58’ – Kwadwo Asamoah really seems to be struggling with his left shoulder, an injury he picked up in the challenge which saw Bakaye Traore booked.

56’ – Bakaye Traore (Mali) is also booked.

53’ – Sulley Muntari has the ball in the back of the net for Ghana but he?s flagged offside…

51’ – Mali with a free kick about 35 metres from goal, Seydou Keita floats it in before it?s headed clear… now a second chance for a shot but it?s well blocked by Jonathan Mensah.

47’ – Isaac Vorsah (Ghana) is the latest to receive a booking.

46’ – Ghana Substitution: Sulley Muntari replaces Mohammed Abu.

– Good stuff from Mali in the first half and they lead 1-0 at the break through Cheick Diabate’s goal.

45 + 2’ – The referee brings the first half to an end.

44’ – Seydou Keita floats a cross toward the back post from a free kick, but Abdoulaye Maiga can?t turn it back into the danger area.

42’ – Samba Sow (Mali) also goes into the referee’s book.

40’ – Ghana have moved up a couple of gears since Prince Tagoe?s introduction, they certainly look to have a focal point in attack now.

37’ – Jordan Ayew gets away a first time shot from a few metres outside the penalty area but Oumar Sissoko makes a comfortable save.

36’ – Ghana Substitution: Prince Tagoe replaces Samuel Inkoom.

35’ – Andre Ayew floats in a good cross but Abdoulaye Maiga gets up highest to head it away.

33’ – Samba Sow with a shot from a tight angle and Adam Kwarasey smothers the ball low down! The Mali attacker should have crossed…

31’ – Past the half hour mark now, Mali lead 1-0 in Malabo as they look to avenge their defeat to Ghana in the group phase.

29’ – Adama Tamboura flagged offside as Mali push forward down their left flank.

26’ – Jordan Ayew (Ghana) is yellow-carded.

25’ – Jordan Ayew and Adama Tamboura have something of a nasty confrontation but the referee has calmed things down…

– A clever corner kick routing from Mali, as Bakaye Traore fires in a low cross-shot that is palmed away by Adam Kwarasey but Cheick Diabate is on hand to turn home the rebound!

23’ – Cheick Diabate (Mali) scores!

21’ – Adam Kwarasey dives at the feet of Garra Dembele after the ball had broken for the striker in the box. Brave goalkeeping from Ghana?s no.16.

19’ – Garra Dembele tries to bring down a long diagonal pass in the Ghana box, but his touch allows goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey to pluck it out the air.

17’ – Another Ghana free kick but again it?s pretty easy for Mali?s defence to deal with. Without the likes of John Mensah and Asamoah Gyan the Black Stars don?t seem to have the same presence at set pieces…

14’ – Kwadwo Asamoah with a speculative long range effort that is wide of Oumar Sissoko?s left-hand post.

13’ – Lee Addy swings in a cross from the left, but it?s an easy take for goalkeeper Oumar Sissoko.

11’ – Another free kick for the Black Stars in a good attacking position. Jordan Ayew crosses toward the far post but the Mali defence lets it drift out for a goal kick.

9’ – Jordan Ayew looks unimpressed with a strong challenge from Adama Tamboura. Free kick to Ghana on their right, Kwadwo Asamoah crosses into the box but it?s headed clear.

6’ – Mali?s first corner kick, Seydou Keita crosses, flicked on and Bakaye Traore sees his shot blocked. Samba Diakite then floats in a cross that bounces off the top of the crossbar.

4’ – Garra Dembele controls a pull-back from the by-line but sends his shot over the crossbar.

2’ – Ghana with a couple of early corner kicks but they don?t make anything of either of them.

1′ Ghana gets us underway and are already looking to launch an attack but ball goes out of play for a Mali throw-in.

– Anthems over and now the players will exchange pleasantries and then go for their pre-match photo shoots. Tossing of the coin will then come afterwards.

– Teams being ushered onto the pitch welcomed by an electric atmosphere generated by the few fans present here. I can say attendance seems to be appreciating by the minute. We will now go for the anthems, Ghana first.

– The referee for this match is Gehad Grisha from Egypt. He will be assisted by Edibe Peter from Nigeria and Champiti Moffat from Malawi with Gassamba Bakary Papa serving as the fourth official for this game.

– Mali: Oumar Sissoko, Ousmane Coulibaly, Abdoulaye Maiga, Cedric Kante, Adama Tamboura, Samba Diakite, Bakaye Traore, Seydou Keita, Samba Sow, Cheick Diabate, Garra Dembele.

– Ghana: Adam Kwarasey, John Paintsil, Jonathan Mensah, Isaac Vorsah, Lee Addy, Mohammed Abu, Anthony Annan, Samuel Inkoom, Kwadwo Asamoah, Andre Ayew, Jordan Ayew.

– Here are the line-ups…

– Teams have been recalled to their respective dressing rooms to dress up for the commencement of the game at 19:00 GMT.

– Both teams are currently on the well cut grass here at the Malabo Stadium doing the pre-match warm-ups amidst a very poor crow here to be blunt.

– The teams have already met once in the tournament, with Ghana winning 2-0 in the group stages thanks to goals from Asamoah Gyan and Andre Ayew.

– The same goes for Mali, who were edged out by tournament favourites Cote d’Ivoire in their semifinal.

– Ghana, beaten by Zambia in the semifinals, will be without players through injury and suspension, though they were always likely to give fringe players a run in this game.

– It may be the one game that no player really wants to find themselves playing in, but at least it gives these sides a chance to end the tournament on a high.

– Good evening and welcome to live coverage of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations third place playoff between Ghana and Mali from Malabo.

Liberty Professionals host Asante Kotoko at the Accra Sports Stadium

Good evening and welcome to the Ghana Premier League week 14 fixture between Liberty Professionals and Asante Kotoko.

This is MTNFootball.com’s live text update coming to you live from the Accra Sports.

The hosts will be looking to extend their impressive start to the new year after thrashing Dwarfs 3-0 at the Robert Mensah Stadium in the last round.

The visitors on the other hand will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing goalless draw with Aduana Stars which now puts their lead on the Premier League log under real threat from rivals Hearts of Oak.

Referee Joe Baffoe will oversee this game, assisted by Michael Asare and Isaac Bassaw. Samuel Sukah serves as this afternoon’s fourth officials.

Kotoko come into this game a very much depleted side with several of their first team players missing out through injuries and suspensions.

Let’s see how the teams are lined up this afternoon:

Liberty: Razak Issa, Dan Gyamfi, Richard Antwi, Kingsley Nteng, Alfred Nelson, Yakubu Issa, Kennedy Ashia, Musa Foda, James Abban and Francis Morten.

Subs: David Addo, Michael Annan, Chris Nkansah, Ernerst Baffoe, Baba Gullit, Luqman Bright and Patrick Antwi.

Coach: J.E Sarpong.

Kotoko: Soulama Abdoulaye, Henry Ohene Brenya, Yaw Frimpong, Baba Abdul Rahman, John Kuffour, Michael Akuffo, Michael Anaba, Richard Yeboah, Kofi Nti Boakye, Nathaniel Asamoah, and Eric Donkor.

Subs: Sabato Mohammed, Osei Kofi, Amos Frimpong, Michael Mensah, Frank Boateng, Stephen Oduro and Isaac Amoako.

Coach: Maxwell Konadu.

Both teams are now out to do the pre-match warm-up to a virtually empty stadium.

The teams have been recalled to their respective locker rooms to finalize preparations for the game which is scheduled to kickoff at 18:30GMT.

Teams lined-up in the tunnel ready to make their way onto the pitch led by the match officials.

Liberty spotting their traditional all white jersey with sprinkle of stars all over while Kotoko are in their favourite all red apparell.

The two of the flood lights at the Accra Sports are off making visibility quiet difficult.

Referees have however given the go ahead so the game will go on nevertheless.

Players of the respective sides have taken their positions, Liberty to kick us off here.

1’ And we are underway Liberty with the early pressure.

2’ Free kick to Liberty right on the edge of the Kotoko penalty area but Morten drags his shot wide.

3’ Kotoko takes charge of the game and are now doing all the attacking but the Liberty defence remains resolute.

4’James Abban clutters into Akuffo and referee duly gives a free kick quickly taken by Anaba.

5’ Liberty struggling to get anything going as Nathaniel Asamoah is played through on goal, good save by Issain post to deny Kotoko the opener.

7’ Rahman goe son one of his solo runs but is brought down by Morten, free kick to Kotoko just inside the center circle.

8’ Abban is bundled over by Brenya in the box but referee waves play on and now Kotoko can break, ball played long but Asamoag is flagged offside to the dismay of the fans.

9’ Yaw Frimpong feeds Donkor but he loses to Ashia, not for long though as Kotoko regain possession.

10’ Free kick to Liberty right on the edge of the Kotoko penalty area taken, Soulama goes doen well to punch clear. Corner Liberty.

12’ Morten controls well with his chest of a long boot by Issa but the ball rolls out of play.

14’ Richard Yeboah clipped from behind as he tries to cut in and he is duly given the free kick about 20-yards from Liberty’s vital area.

15’ Kotoko trying to work the ball through but Kingsley Nteng and Richard Antwi are the major obstacles.

16’ Abban holds onto the ball well and releases Foda on his left but Kotoko takes possession, ball however turned over to Liberty.

17’ Referee awards an awkward infringement to Liberty.

18’ Ball floated to the far post but Soulama rushes out to punch clear.

19’ Neat backhill to release Foda he is one-on-one with Soulama but blasts wide!!!! What a chance spurned…!

20’ Both coaches out of the respective dugouts to give instructions to their players.

21’ Temporal hold up as a Kotoko player is being stretched off, not to clear who it is.

22’ Kotoko builds slowly from the back, ball fed into the over-lapping Frimpong he cuts in but he is fouled.

23’ Ball drives inside but no one was there to make the vital connection and Liberty can now clear the danger.

24’ Referee awards Liberty a free kick in a very promising area.

25’ Free kick totally wasted.

26’ Kotoko build yet another attack from the back at a very slow pace.

27’ Yaw Frimpong gets a cheeky free kick to get his side out of trouble.

28’ Kotoko have thoroughly controlled this game but have so far nothing to show for their dominance.

29’ Soulama launches a long goalkick straight to an opponent.

30’ Great skill and strength shown by Ashia to skip three challenges but his fails to make the telling pass to Abban.

31’ Liberty trying to get through with short passes but this tactic is clerly not effective.

32’ Akuffo spreads it wide to Anaba but his cross fails to reach Asamoah in the middle.

33’ Throw-in to Liberty quickly taken but the resulting cross by Nteng goes way off.

34’ Akuffo walking gingerly, seems to be suffering from a knock but he remains on the pitch.

35’ Ball crossed in with pace by Frimpong but Atwi heads clear.

36’ Meanwhile all the flood lights are now on, we can now enjoy our football.

37’ Big boot in by Soulama, Asamoah knocked down as he challenged for the ball, referee gives a free kick.

38’ Ohene Brenya will certainly be the first player to be booked in this game as he mistimed his sliding tackle on the slick Abban.

39’ Corner to Kotoko to be effected by Anaba. Ball cleared off the near post.

40’ Oherne brenya clutters into his own man, as he went in for an arial tackle.

44’ Free kick goes the way if Liberty quickly taken but attack comes to knot. Corner Liberty.

45’ Ball floated in but Soulama comes out to punch well clear.

45+1’ Yaw Frimong trying to shield the ball off Foda and ends up winning a goalkick for his team.

45+2’ Asamoah skios past his marker, centers to Kofi Nti Boakye for the tap in….Goooooooaaaal!!!!!!

45+3’ Nti Boakye makes n mistake from four yards out as he plants the ball firmly into the net to send the stadium agog.

45+4’ Referee ends tha first half, Kotoko obviously the happier side. Liberty will have to lift their game in the second if they are to get anything from this game.

We are back, players making their way onto the picth, Kotoko the first to emerge from the tunnel – perhaps a sign of things to come?

Liberty making a substitution: Musa Foda makes way for Bright Luqman.

45’ Kotko resumes us for the second half.

46’ Nti-Boakye goes on a urging run, crosses it in, Richard Yeboah twistsing and turning, he shoots, its in….Gooooooaaaal!!!!!!

47’ What a way to start the second half, Yeboah doubles Kotoko’s lead here at the Accra Sports Stadium and now Liberty will really have to come out to play to salvage at least a point.

48’ Corner to Liberty, taken by Francis Morten but neatly gathered by Soluama to draw some applause.

49’ Abban pokes the ball off Kuffour and crosses but no one there to apply the finish, Kotoko clear their lines.

50’ Yeboah taken to the sidelines to receive some medical treatment. He is back on.

51’ Soulama resumes play with a big boot upfront and here Liberty come.

52’ Ball fed through to Abban, great interception by John Kuffour to clear the danger.

54’ Liberty playing much better but unable to make meaningful strides in the Kotoko half.

55’ Amos Frimpong being brought on for Eric Donkor.

56’ Coach Sarpong even more animated on the touchline.

57’ Francis Morten tries a shot from deep, clearly the wrong option as the ball goes sky-high.

58’ Great skill by Nti-Boakye to beat his marker, he crosses in, Asamoah shot on the turn is deflected away but falls to Akuffo whose shot comes off the post, what a chance!!!!

59’ Kotoko looking more and more like the team to score the next goal even though Liberty are mounting some considerable amount of pressure.

some considerable amount of pressure.

60’ Play halted as John Kuffour is being treated on the pitch.

62’ Play resumes Kotoko on the charge but have been forced back by the Liberty defence who are in numbers.

64’ Ashia spreads the ball to his right to no one in particular.

65’ Abban lifts the bal lovely to the far post but Soulama races out to grab.

66’ Ricchard Yeboah is the latest player to fall on the turf and requires medical attention which he is getting now.

67’ Referee awards a foul to Kotoko for a trip on John Kuffour.

68’ Neat footwork by Nti-Boakye to shake off his marker but his cross fails to reach the intedned target as Nteng clears.

69’ Akuffo hits a very disappointing shot from 20-yards. Always rising.

70’ Kotoko substitution: Richard Yeboah being pulled out for Osei Kofi.

71’ Alfred Nekson dives into a challenge and concedes a free kick.

72’ Osei Kofi fails to keep the ball, his poor control infuriates the Kotoko fans.

73’ Liberty substitution: Ernest Baffoe coming on for Yakubu Issa.

74’ Baffoe’s first contribution is to give away a free kick and he is quiet lucky to escape a booking in my candid opinion.

75’ Francis Morten to take a free kick to Liberty, floats one in, a free header but Soulama grabs.

76’ Baba Gullit strikes one, deflected off and falls to Abban but John Kuffour forces his control and takes coolly from him.

78’ Coach Sarpong getting more and more frustrated on the touchline as his players struggle to get it together.

79’ Abban played through clean on goal but completely miscues his shot to the relief of the Kotoko defence.

80’ Kuffour dives into a tackle, a penalty shout but referee says no and I think it is the right call.

81’ Temporal hold up as Kofi Nti Boakye is being attended to by the Kotoko medical team.

82’ Morten trying to shake off his marker who is unwavering, he eventually hits a shot but straight inot Soulama’s arms.

83’ Referee awards a foul to Liberty Professionals about 15-yards off the Kotoko penalty area.

84’ Morten’s kick goes way wide.

85’ Kotoko substitution: Fand favourite Stephen Oduro coming on for Kofi Nti-Boakye.

87’ Well taken free kick by Morten but not good enough to beat Soulama who has been very impressive between the sticks for Kotoko this evening.

88’ Oduro sends one through to Asamoah but he is caught offside.

90+1′ Kotoko heading for their first win away from the Baba Yara Stadium in this campaign.

90+2′ Kotoko now towing with Liberty as the match grinds o the end.

90+3′ A welcome goal kick for Kotoko and Soulama will take all the time to take this one.

90+4′ Ball played in and hacked further in my Akuffo.

90+5′ GOALLLLLLLLLLL. Penalty for Liberty and James Abban converts to pull one back.

90+6′ It’s all over, Kotoko have claimed all three points at the Accra Sports Stadium against Liberty Professionals.

By Ameenu Shardow

Ghanaian giants Hearts of Oak play Asante Kotoko in second leg of pre-season friendly

Asante Kotoko shut the mouths of their rivals Hearts of Oak with a 3-1 win at the Accra Sports Stadium in the maiden MTN Super 2 Charity match. 

Read the full text commentary below…………………

Welcome to GHANAsoccernet.com‘s live text update of this all important pre-season friendly between giants Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko.

This is the second leg of the innovative fixture being played at the Accra Sports Stadium. Both teams go into today’s game pegged at 1-1 from their first encounter in Kumasi a week ago.

Weather conditions here is very good for fine football this afternoon with temperatures hovering around 27 degrees celcuis.

Starting line-ups:

Kotoko: Abdulai Soulama-Augustine Okrah, Baba Rahman, Mohammed Awal, Ohene Brenya-Michael Akuffo, Frank Boateng, Yaw Frimpong, Nathaniel Asamoah, Kofi Nti Boakye-Ahmed Toure, Nathaniel Asamoah.

Subs: Amos Frimpong, Eric Donkor, Albert Bruce, Michael Anaba, Michael MensahDavid Offei, Fatawu, Richard Yeboah, Felix Annan.

Hearts: Laud Quartey- Yussif Faisal, Saeed Mohamed, Omar Toufi, Uriah Asante,  Soulama Ahmed, Kofi Agyare, Abubakar Moro, Prince Gyimah, Douglas Nkrumah, Mahatma

Subs: Enzemaba Samuel, Abdul Ganiyu, Owusu Seaf, Ansah Boboie, Thomas Abbey, Raymond Darkey, Josepg Tagoe, Isaac Ofori, Sammy Adjei.

There has been a delay in kickoff which was originally fixed for 15:00 GMT.

We are being told kickoff time has now been shifted to 15:30GMT.

The technical team and substitutes of Kotoko have emerged from the tunnel as the few Hearts supporters gathered on my right sing their voices out loud.

Ball boys lead out both teams onto the pitch as the few fans herald their arrival, we are getting closer and closer to the big kickoff.

Hearts of Oak sporting a green jersey with the rainbow colours conspicuously displayed in the middle over white shorts. Their visitors (Kotoko) in all white today just like in the first leg.

Both teams gather at the center of the pitch for their pre-match prayers.

1’ Kotoko kicks us off defending the Independence square end of the pitch while Hearts do same at the Conference Center end.

2’ Already Hearts jumps into attack with a glorious chance for Mahatma Otoo but shoots wide. That should have been 1-0.

3’ Both teams trying to put the ball on the turf with Hearts enjoying the early possession.

4’ Free kick to Hearts just on the edge of Kotoko’s penalty box to be effected by captain Douglas Nkrumah who shoots straight into the side net.

5’Neat ball threaded through for Ahmed Toure to chase but Laud Quartey rushed on to clear the danger.

6’ Referee awards another free kick to Hearts from 30 yards out of the Kotoko post but Mahatma Otoo shoots straight into the wall.

7’ Michael Akuffo moans on the turf, not sure what happened to him but he is up now.

12’ Nathaniel Asamoah’s cross met by Ahmed Toure but is wide, welcome goal kick to Hearts.

13’ Kotoko wins a free-kick of their own on the edge of Hearts’ penalty box but totally wasted by Augustine Okrah.

14’ Hearts begins a fresh attack from the back with Kofi Agyare.

16’ Ball lofted in behind Hearts’ defense but Toure and Asamoah both caught offside.

18’ Great skill by Baba Rahman but intended pass intercepted by Kofi Agyare, Maxwell Konadu up on his feet.

19’ Match stale at this point with none of the teams wanting to take the initiative. Very disappointing considering the bright start made especially by Hearts.

21’ Kotoko earn the game’s first corner to be taken by Augustine Okrah but Hearts’s defense stood resolute and clears to touch. Throw-in Kotoko.

23’ Hearts controls the ball in midfield but referees stops play. Akuffo lay on the pitch as referee calls out for a stretcher. The Hearts fans are least amused, they felt there was an advantage brewing and honestly I side with them.

24’ Beautiful ball control by Brenya which draws applause from fans.

27’ Yet another Kotoko player is on the deck, now it Ahmed Toure. He limps off the pitch, perhaps was not full fit to start this game.

29’ Free Kick for Hearts, completely wasted by Asante, I don’t know why he chose to shoot on goal from that distance out.

31’ Temporal hold up as Ohene Brenya receives treatment after colliding with his own player in their attempt to clear their lines.

33’ Play resumes with Kotoko and they immediately switch into attack, ball with Nathaniel Asamoah who beats the goalkeeper, a chance! Squares for Nti-Boakye who coolly slots home. Goooooooooooal!!!

34’ First yellow card to Hearts’ Saeed Mohammed after going in with his boot for an arial ball. Kotoko looks settled now after jumping into the lead.

36’ Kotoko supporters having a blast as Awal Mohammed goes off the pitch to receive treatment.

37’ Hearts beginning to mount pressure but keeper Soulama jumps in to grab an intended cross for Otoo, he remains on the pitch in some distress.

39’ Augustine Okrah is taken off for Fatawu Mohammed, not quite sure why but my immediate suspicion would be through injury, he has been one of the few bright spots in the game.

40’ Play resumes as Hearts win a corner, a free header but feeble attempt in the end. Soulama calmly gathers.

42’ Penalty shout, but wave off, Hearts corner. Totally wasted by Douglas Nkrumah.

43’ Games goes back to sleep, turning a bit rough at this point.

44’ Another Kotoko player hits the turf, its Frank Boateng again not sure what happened to him.

45’ Nathaniel Asamoah turns his man inside and shoots with his weaker lefty foot. Calmly gathered by Laud Quartey. We will do three minutes of added time.

45+1’ Hearts’ anxious to pull level and this is forcing very silly mistakes to the disgust of their home crowd.

45+2’ Kotoko taking all the time to effect this throw-in as referee takes a look at his watch.

45+3’ Referee ends it all in the first half. Kotoko enter the dressing room the much happier side after going ahead in the 33^rd minute through striker Kofi Nti Boakye.

New signing Kofi Nti Boakye turned home the opener inside the box on 33 minutes after he was teed -up by Nathaniel Asamoah.

Welcome back to the second half where already Hearts have effected a change.

Moro Toufic is taken off for Bobie Ansah

45’ Play restarts with Hearts but Kotoko making the early incursions.

48’ Hearts playing around the Kotoko danger area, can’t pick out the decisive pass.

49’ Ahmed Soulama with a glorious chance for Hearts but blasts wide.

50’ Delightful cross sent into the Kotoko area but Yaw Frimpong puts it over. Hearts corner.

52’ Hearts gradually taking the game to their opponents but the Kotoko defense won’t budge.

54’Otoo comes in deep to pick the ball passes through, Awal fouls Asante in the penalty box, referee gives it.

55’ Awal gets a yellow for his troubles and has once again presented Hearts a golden opportunity to score. Nkrumah neatly disposes off the kick. Goooooooooooooooooalllll!!!!!!

57’ A lot of activity on the Kotoko bench, it appears Konadu wants to make another change as Hearts go in search of the lead.

58’ Albert Bruce comes on for Frank Boateng. A good substitution in my opinion.

59’ Michael Mensah comes on for Kotoko goalscorer Kofi Nti-Boakye.

60’Temporal hold up as Kotoko’s goalkeeper Soulama Abdullai receives treatment on the pitch. The Hearts fans have all of the sudden found their voices again.

61’ Soulama can no longer continue as he is substituted by Felix Annan. Play resumes.

64’ Kotoko trying to regain control of the game.

65’ Midfield battle as Nkrumah goes in with a bad tackle and rightfully gets booked.

66′ Defensive mishap in the Hearts area, Tour capitalizes by heading home a Nathaniel Asamoah cross.Goooalllllll!!!!!!!!!

67’ Albert Bruce gets booked for an unnecessary challenge on Moro Abubakar.

70’ Two Kotoko players now groan on the turf, both receiving medical attention. It is Toure and Yaw Frtimpong.

72’ Hearts gets a free kick near Kotoko’s penalty area to be taken by Douglas Nkrumah.

73′ Keeper parries away and Kotoko break on the counter, what a sweet counter, ball played into the path of Nathaniel Asamoah who is now one-on-one with Quartey and coolly slots in between his legs. Goooooaaaal!!!!!!!!!!

75’ Saeed Mohammed taken off for the diminutive Joseph Tagoe.

77’ Another change for Hearts, Raymond Darkeh comes in for Atakora Gyimah.

79’ Another Kotoko player for the umpteenth time is on the deck.

80’ Kotoko makes another change; Amos Frimpong comes on for Yaw Frimpong.

82’ Bobie Ansah is the latest to enter the book for a late tackle on Nathaniel Asamoah. Hearts beginning to get frustrated.

83’ Kotoko beginning to turn on the style, Fatawu put through but flagged offside.

85’ Yellow card to Fatwu as Hearts surge forward for a consolation.

87’ Hearts keep pushing but the Kotoko defense keeps repelling, now the substitute goalkeeper is getting into the act.

88’ Ahmed Toure gets a standing ovation from the Kotoko fans as Michael Anaba takes his place.

89’ A chance to put more gloss on the win for Kotoko but Asamoah’s header was feeble. Meanwhile we will be doing four minutes of added time.

90’ With the game almost won, the visitors are beginning to rub it in with exquisite skills.

90+2’ Ball played back in but too high for a header, chance spurned by Hearts.

90+3’ Referee ends it all with one minute of added time still left to play but no one will complain considering the scoreline.

The Kotoko players go to jubilate with their fans, they have comprehensiely beaten arch rivals Hearts of Oak by 3-1.

Thank you for joining us for this live update, see you soon.