- At Baba Yara Stadium, Asante Kotoko pulled off a stunning comeback, entertaining the crowd with a game that kept them on the edge of their seats. After their team secured three vital points, the Kotoko supporters celebrated as they left the stadium.
- Due to Christmas activities taking precedence, the Accra Sports Stadium was unavailable to host the game. Consequently, Hearts of Oak, the home team, chose to play the match at Kotoko’s home ground. In hindsight, this decision appeared to have backfired, given the outcome of the match.
- Two instances of confusion marred the prelude to the game. Initially, Hearts of Oak fans obstructed the entrance gate, insisting that, despite the game being played in Kumasi, they were the home team and deserved to enter first. Security intervened to maintain order, but the Hearts of Oak bus managed to enter first. Subsequently, during the warm-up, some Hearts of Oak players made their way into the Kotoko section, causing momentary chaos, but calm was eventually restored.
- This paved the way for several opportunities. In the 37th minute, Ibrahim Salifu’s exquisite cross from a free kick and Mtange’s outstanding header broke the deadlock. In the 44th minute, Isaac Oppong, positioned inside the box, beat Richmond Ayi with a fantastic low attempt to ensure Kotoko concluded the first half on even terms.
- After the interval, Kotoko came out even more determined, scoring their second goal in the 55th minute. The video showed an offside controversy, but Steven Mukwala took advantage of Ayi’s inability to handle a shot on goal with conviction to grab the rebound.
- Mukwala’s second goal was controversy-free, as he intercepted a back pass, outpacing Ayi, and calmly slotted home for the third. Martin Karikari managed a late second goal for Hearts of Oak, but it wasn’t enough as Kotoko held on for a significant victory.
- With this victory, Kotoko’s remarkable run of five straight wins was continued, and they now trail the leaders by four points but are serious candidates for the league crown.
