Ten-man Hearts of Oak secured a 1-0 victory over Asante Kotoko at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday, February 15, 2026, ending their rivals’ unbeaten home league run.
Defender Baba Adamu scored the decisive goal in the 14th minute, rising highest to meet Martin Karikari’s dangerous set piece and directing the ball beyond Mohamed Camara to silence the packed stadium. The goal proved sufficient as Hearts withstood sustained pressure throughout the match.
Hearts’ task became significantly more challenging when Emmanuel Amankwah received a red card, reducing the Phobians to ten men and forcing tactical adjustments from coach Mas-ud Didi Dramani. The numerical disadvantage shifted momentum toward Kotoko, but Hearts maintained defensive discipline to preserve their advantage.
Goalkeeper Benjamin Asare delivered an authoritative performance that earned him man of the match honours. The Black Stars first-choice goalkeeper commanded aerial balls confidently, organized his defence with calm instructions, and provided crucial interventions when required. His assured display anchored Hearts’ resilient defensive effort.
Kotoko created opportunities but struggled to convert chances into goals. Patrick Asiedu unleashed a fierce effort from a set piece that Asare parried away, while the Porcupine Warriors pushed numbers forward after gaining numerical superiority. Hearts nearly doubled their lead late when Raphael Amponsah raced through on a pass from Frank Duku, but Camara redeemed himself with a sharp stop.
The victory represents Hearts’ first GPL triumph in Kumasi since the 2020-2021 season, breaking Kotoko’s five-match unbeaten home streak against the Phobians. Kotoko had not lost to Hearts in any competition since March 2023, making the result particularly significant for the visitors.
Hearts climbed to third position with 39 points from 22 matches, five points behind league leaders Medeama Sporting Club (SC). Kotoko remained fifth with 35 points, now four points behind Hearts and eight points from the top.