Hearts of Oak’s goalkeeper Silvanus Gbeti shoke off a nervous start to the game to pull off an incredible save and ensure the Phobians remained in the game in duration time.
The Phobians have bitter memories of their last game at the Accra Sports Stadium against Kotoko, a game in which veteran goalkeeper Soulama Abdoulaye scuffed a simple back pass into his own net.
Having held the bragging rights in the last two years it was Kuamsi Asante Kotoko who started this one on a high note with forward Dauda Mohammed who is the Premier League’s most sought-after forward robbing Rubin Gagne and creating a goal-scoring opportunity that Obed Owusu narrowly missed.
Kotoko could sense blood after a few unconvincing punches from beti in post ahead of Samuel Akrugu and Soulama Abdoulaye for Hearts of Oak.
The Procupne Warriors dominated but failed to find the back of the net and that fell in line for Hearts of Oak who were beginning to settle and new boy Patrick Razak who joined the club in the January transfer window picked up Isaac Mensah who went through two defender before testing Ernest Sowah in post for Asante Kotoko.
That was the first and only time the home side shot on target in the first half.
The second half was less explosive with both sides understandably cautious knowing very well the level of bragging rights at stake.
After ninety compelling minutes of action the referee Awal Mohammed brought the game to an end with no side finding the back of the net.
Penalties:
Hearts of Oak skipper Robin Gagne stepped forward and coolly finished the first kick. Evans Quao stepped forward for Kotoko and scored his too.
Ibrahim Musah for Hearts and Eric Donkor both missed their kicks.
Paul Acquah followed for Hearts of Oak and had his kick saved before Emmanuel Osei scored for Kotoko.
Ollenu Ashittey also scored for Hearts of Oak before Samuel Kyere missed an opportunity to put Hearts of Oak ahead by over cocking his kick.
With the kicks still at 2-2 Patrick Razak stepped forward and missed for Hearts of Oak before Kotoko skipper Amos Frimpong ensured victory by finishing on the day.
The results means Asante Kotoko have won on their last two visits to the Accra Sports stadium.