Striker Sogne Yacouba’s BRACE was enough for Asante Kotoko to defeat rivals Hearts of Oak 2-0 in the first leg of the clash of the Titans encounter on Sunday at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
The Burkinabe international scored in each half of the game as the Porcupine Warriors destroyed Hearts of Oak who could not endure the excellent display by Paa Kwesi Fabian and his charges.
The Burkinabe import broke the deadlock and put the Porcupine Warriors infront on the stroke of half-time after goalkeeper Ernest Sowah couldn’t keep hold on to Prince Acquah’s strike few minutes before recess.
Hearts after going down kept their composure and started playing a thunderous attack from the flanks by Patrick Razak and Issac Mensah but failed to make their incessant threat yield result by at least scoring a consolation goal for the phobians.
The game saw a wonderful display by midfielder Jordan Opoku and youngster Richard Senanu who masterminded the midfield for Kotoko despite Malik Akowuah and Samudeen Ibrahim partnership for Hearts in midfield.
Hearts had to continue the second half with 10 players after defender Robbert Addo was sent off for a second bookable offense with Goalkeeper Ernest Sowah being replaced by Ben Mensah after picking an injury before recess.
The return leg is slated for next week Sunday at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
Hearts starting XI
Ernest Sowah, Fataw Mohammed, William Dankyi, Robbert Addo, Ben Agyare, Malik Akowuah, Isaac Mensah, Samudeen Ibrahim, Obeng Kwadwo Jnr, Joseph Esso, Patrick Razak.
Subs:
James, Radji Avouka, Dan Kodei, Aminu Alhassan, Camara Nguesan, Salasai Bakai, Ben Mensah.
Kotoko Starting XI
Osei Kwame, Amos Frimpong, Augustine Sefah, Wahab Adams, Agyemang Adams, Agyemang Badu, Richard Senanu, Prince Acquah, Michael Yeboah, Jordan Opoku, Songne Yacouba.
Subs:
Douglas Owusu Ansah, Frederick Boateng, Ibrahim, Isaac Amponsah, Stephen Nyarko, Emmanuel Owusu, Felix Annan.
