Accra Hearts of Oak defeated Kotoko 5-4 on penalties to lift the 2015 President Cup on Wednesday at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Hearts started on a bright note as they piled on the pressure on Kotoko in the early stages of the game.
Striker Eric Kumi could have shot the Phobians into the lead after receiving a nice ball from Selasi Adjei only to shoot straight into the arms of Kotoko goalkeeper Ofori Antwi.
Kotoko attacker Ahmed Toure quickly responded with an excellent effort but would be denied by Soulama Abdulai in post for Hearts of Oak. The Phobians kept dominating possession but failed to utilize the numerous opportunities that came their way.
Eric Kumi in the 33rd minute squandered a glorious opportunity after outwitting Kotoko defender Small Boye Korbah as his final effort went wide.
An excellent piece of work by Kotoko right-back Atta Kusi saw Eric Donkor missing the post by inches. Kotoko however failed to bury their best opportunity in the game after Eric Donkor failed to connect a ball into an empty net.
The Porcupine Warriors seemed to have lifted their game in the second half as they begun to keep possession.
Talisman
Ahmed Toure’s excellent volley in the 65th minute was tipped away by Soulama Abdulai. Dauda Mohammed’s introduction seemed to have given Kotoko a bite upfront as the attackers kept tormenting the Hearts defense.
Kotoko’s talisman Ahmed Toure had his powerful header hit the upright in the 68th minute but was already flagged offside by assistant referee Richrda Kortey.
Hearts striker Selassi Adjei failed to connect a cross from Isaac Mensah in the 74th minute. Eric Donkor ones again failed to bury his chance after taken on his markers only to take a feeble shot.
Controversy sparked as Hearts captain Robin Gnagne was shown a yellow card after poking Ahmed Toure in the face, a deliberate action by the Hearts skipper which could have attracted a red card.
Both sides however failed to capitalize on their numerous chances as the game travelled to penalty shoot-outs after 90+4 minutes of additional time.
A miss by Michael Akuffo saw Hearts win 5-4 on penalties to defend the President Cup trophy after winning it in 2013
Striker Eric Kumi could have shot the Phobians into the lead after receiving a nice ball from Selasi Adjei only to shoot straight into the arms of Kotoko goalkeeper Ofori Antwi.
Kotoko attacker Ahmed Toure quickly responded with an excellent effort but would be denied by Soulama Abdulai in post for Hearts of Oak. The Phobians kept dominating possession but failed to utilize the numerous opportunities that came their way.
Eric Kumi in the 33rd minute squandered a glorious opportunity after outwitting Kotoko defender Small Boye Korbah as his final effort went wide.
An excellent piece of work by Kotoko right-back Atta Kusi saw Eric Donkor missing the post by inches. Kotoko however failed to bury their best opportunity in the game after Eric Donkor failed to connect a ball into an empty net.
The Porcupine Warriors seemed to have lifted their game in the second half as they begun to keep possession.
Talisman
Ahmed Toure’s excellent volley in the 65th minute was tipped away by Soulama Abdulai. Dauda Mohammed’s introduction seemed to have given Kotoko a bite upfront as the attackers kept tormenting the Hearts defense.
Kotoko’s talisman Ahmed Toure had his powerful header hit the upright in the 68th minute but was already flagged offside by assistant referee Richrda Kortey.
Hearts striker Selassi Adjei failed to connect a cross from Isaac Mensah in the 74th minute. Eric Donkor ones again failed to bury his chance after taken on his markers only to take a feeble shot.
Controversy sparked as Hearts captain Robin Gnagne was shown a yellow card after poking Ahmed Toure in the face, a deliberate action by the Hearts skipper which could have attracted a red card.
Both sides however failed to capitalize on their numerous chances as the game travelled to penalty shoot-outs after 90+4 minutes of additional time.
A miss by Michael Akuffo saw Hearts win 5-4 on penalties to defend the President Cup trophy after winning it in 2013
Credit: sportonline.com
