Hearts of Oak beat rivals Asante Kotoko 1-0 in a matchday 22 encounter at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday, reviving their title ambitions while dashing Kotoko’s title ambition.
Despite playing most of the game with 10 men, Baba Adamu’s looping 14th‑minute header went past Kotoko’s goalkeeper Mohammed Camara.
Hearts of Oak right-back Emmanuel Amankwah was sent off for a second bookable offence, forcing the visitors into a defensive posture for the remainder of the match.
Kotoko pressed for an equaliser but struggled to create clear chances. Raphael Amponsah should have made it two for the Phobians but failed to convert from close range later in the game.
Goalkeeper Benjamin Asare delivered a composed performance and was named Man of the Match after several key interventions that preserved Hearts’ narrow advantage.
The result lifts Hearts into second place (39 points), five points behind leaders Medeama, while Kotoko remains fifth with 35 points.
In Tarkwa, Medeama failed to extend their lead at the top after a 1-1 draw with Aduana FC. Captain Yussif Mubarik missed a late penalty that would have restored Medeama’s cushion at the top.
Elsewhere, Hohoe United ended a nine-match winless run with a 2-1 victory over Nations FC. First‑half goals from William Oduro and Lawson Bekui secured the win, while Oko Grippman scored a consolation for the visitors.
Dreams FC’s five-game unbeaten run was ended by Karela United, who stunned the host in their own backyard. A late-gasp effort by Ali Alhassan proved crucial for Karela United, who claimed all three points and moved further away from the relegation zone.
Week 22 results:
Asante Kotoko 0-1 Hearts of Oak
Bechem United 1-0 Young Apostles
Berekum Chelsea 2-1 Heart of Lions
Bibiani Gold Stars 3-0 Basake Holy Stars
Dreams FC 0-1 Karela United
Hohoe United 2-1 Nations FC
Swedru All Blacks 1-0 FC Samartex
Medeama SC 1-1 Aduana FC
GNA
Kenneth Odeng Adade
16 Feb 2026
Photo Attached
