Asante Kotoko ended an 11-year wait for a Ghana Premier League victory over Heart of Lions after securing a 2-1 win in their Matchday Two clash at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday.
The Porcupine Warriors had not beaten Lions since April 2015, when they recorded a 4-0 victory at the same venue.
Heart of Lions subsequently dominated the fixture, including a 3-1 victory in their most recent meeting in January 2026.
Kotoko started brightly in Kumasi but were forced to rely on goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim early in the game, with the shot-stopper producing an important save to deny Lions the opening goal.
The hosts eventually broke the deadlock in the 27th minute.
Patrick Asiedu delivered a low cross into the box, and Emmanuel Mamah reacted quickest to finish and put Kotoko 1-0 ahead.
Danlad remained alert before the break, making another crucial save as Heart of Lions pushed for an equaliser.
At the other end, Lions goalkeeper Yamoah also kept his side in the game by denying Hubert Gyau a chance to extend Kotoko’s advantage.
Kotoko Double Their Lead
The Porcupine Warriors eventually found a second goal in the 63rd minute.
Richard Boadu produced an excellent long pass to find Mamah, who then set up Isaac Opoku Agyemang.
Opoku Agyemang made no mistake with the finish to give Kotoko a 2-0 lead.
Heart of Lions continued to fight and were rewarded with a late opportunity to reduce the deficit.
In the 92nd minute, Francis Odoom converted from the penalty spot to make it 2-1.
Kotoko, however, held firm during the remaining moments of the match to secure all three points.
Relief for Tinkler
The victory provides an important early boost for head coach Eric Tinkler, particularly after the South African tactician attracted attention with his recent criticism of poor playing pitches.
With the season now gathering pace, Tinkler will have to quickly shift his focus to the next challenge as matches come thick and fast.
Kotoko now have four points from their opening two matches, having drawn their opening fixture against newly promoted Debibi United.
The Porcupine Warriors will travel to Samreboi on Matchday Three to face FC Samartex 1996.
Heart of Lions, meanwhile, remain without a win after two matches. They drew at home against Aduana FC on the opening weekend and will next host Swedru All Blacks in Kpando.
