Tension, pride and raw rivalry, ten-man Accra Hearts of Oak held firm to secure a 1–0 victory over sworn rivals Asante Kotoko in the Ghana Premier League’s famed Super Clash.
Reduced to ten men yet unbroken in spirit, Hearts leaned on resilience and a commanding presence between the posts. At the heart of it stood Benjamin Asare, Ghana’s number one, whose assured display under pressure helped preserve a priceless clean sheet on a night that demanded composure as much as courage.
After the final whistle, Asare’s focus shifted beyond the derby celebrations to a bigger personal ambition.
“Oh, sure, it’s a big motivation because they are watching us closely,” he said, referring to officials from the Ghana Football Association who were in attendance. “My dream is to play for the national team, and I believe my performance today was good. I hope they continue to monitor me and see what I can do.”
The goalkeeper did not hide his appreciation for the attention the fixture attracted. In a domestic league often craving fuller stands and broader spotlight, the Super Clash delivered both spectacle and scrutiny.
“I want to thank the GFA officials for coming to watch this match. It makes the game more exciting,” he added.
The atmosphere inside the stadium reflected the magnitude of the occasion. Fans from both sides poured in, transforming the derby into a vibrant theatre of noise and colour. Asare acknowledged that shared energy.
“I also want to thank the fans, both Kotoko and Hearts of Oak fans, for coming out in their numbers. We don’t often see such a large crowd for league matches, but today, they really showed up, especially for the second round. I’m very grateful to everyone.”