Hearts of Oak boosted their Ghana Premier League title ambitions with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over arch-rivals Asante Kotoko at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday.
Defender Baba Adamu scored the decisive goal in the 14th minute, rising highest to head home a dangerous set piece from Martin Karikari, catching Kotoko goalkeeper Mohamed Camara off guard.
Despite being reduced to 10 men following Emmanuel Amankwah’s reckless challenge in the first half, the Accra-based side displayed remarkable resilience to secure all three points and move within five points of league leaders Medeama SC.
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Hearts dominated the early exchanges and were rewarded when Baba Adamu converted from close range to give the visitors the lead.
The goal energized the Phobians, who looked in control until Amankwah was sent off for a second booking before the half-hour mark, forcing them to defend for most of the contest.
Down to 10 men, Hearts reorganised quickly and maintained their defensive shape.
Kotoko struggled to break through, with striker Albert Amoah kept quiet by a disciplined backline. The result marked Hearts’ 17th clean sheet of the season, reinforcing their status as the league’s strongest defensive unit.
Their ability to grind out victory under pressure could prove decisive as the season enters its final stretch.
The victory comes at a time when the title race is tightening.