In a thrilling encounter at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday, Asante Kotoko achieved a remarkable feat by completing the Ghana Premier League double over their arch-rivals Hearts of Oak for the first time since 1987.
The star of the match was Steven Desse Mukwala, whose superb brace secured a 2-0 victory for the Porcupine Warriors, sending their fans into rapturous celebrations.
Mukwala showcased his striking prowess early in the game, putting Kotoko ahead in the 9th minute with a deft strike that left Hearts’ goalkeeper Kwesi Nketiah helpless.
The Ugandan forward continued to torment the Hearts defense, and his persistence paid off once more in stoppage time.
Three minutes into injury time, Mukwala delivered a solo effort that doubled Kotoko's lead, sealing the victory and ensuring maximum points for his team.
The significance of this win cannot be overstated.
Earlier in the season, Kotoko had edged out Hearts with a 3-2 victory in December 2023.
Sunday's win solidified coach Dr. Prosper Nartey Ogum's unbeaten record against the Phobians, as his side climbed to 9th place on the league table.
The celebration in Kumasi was jubilant, with Kotoko fans reveling in their team's dominance over their historic rivals.
Conversely, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow for Hearts of Oak, who are now precariously positioned just two points above the relegation zone in 14th place.
With only three matches remaining in the 2023-24 Ghana Premier League season, the Phobians face an uphill battle to secure their top-flight status.
Their campaign has been fraught with challenges, and this latest setback against Kotoko only compounds their woes.
As Hearts of Oak made the long journey back to Accra, empty-handed and with their survival in the league hanging in the balance, Kotoko's faithful supporters continued their celebrations deep into the night, savoring a historic victory that will be remembered for years to come.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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