Kotoko beat Hearts in May 9 Commemorative match

Accra, May 9, GNA - Kumasi Asante Kotoko posited a lone goal victory over archrivals Accra Hearts of Oak in the first-ever May 9 commemorative match on Sunday at the Ohene Djan Stadium in Accra.

Striker Kwadwo Poku Junior scored the only goal of match on 23 minutes as Kotoko cruised to victory in the first ever meeting between the nation's most glamorous clubs in remembrance of the infamous May 9 Stadium Disaster. About 126 soccer fans lost their lives following a stampede during a Premier League match involving the two sides in 2001 at the then Accra Sports Stadium.

As part of the recommendations by the Okudzeto Commission, the two Clubs were mandated to face off in a non-competitive clash every year to commemorate the event, but the encounter failed to see the light of the day due to technical reasons.

Kotoko who fielded a mostly youthful set-up were a delight to watch as they pinned their much experienced Hearts opponents to their part of the field in the opening minutes.

On the 23rd minute mark, Poku Junior struck the opener by connecting home after a spectacular run by Kenneth Appiah with an effort that beat veteran goalie Sammy Adjei in posts for Hearts.

The Porcupine Warriors had the better of the exchanges in the first half but could not authenticate their lead despite several raids upfront. The highpoint of the game was during the recess when a cluster of both Hearts and Kotoko supporters jointly went on a lap around the stadium to signal to the fans the importance of peace and unity at matches. When the second half resumed it was Hearts who were more purposeful with their quest to redeem the deficit aided with the introduction of the fans favourites, Mahatma Otoo and Samuel Afum.

Hearts forward Felix Baffoe, however, fumbled with several clear goal scoring chances that came his way while Kotoko's goalie Emmanuel Bempah lived up to his task with superlative saves to deny Hearts from getting any goal.

The result served some form of solace to the Kotoko fans after their back-to-back losses to Hearts in the ongoing Glo Premiership and it was all smiles as they trooped out of the stadium singing praises to the feat of their youthful players.