Kotoko Oldies Hold Hearts Oldies

Five minutes of pure magic from veteran Stephen Owusu ensured Asante Kotoko went away with smiles on their faces as they drew 2-2 with Hearts of Oak in their much anticipated oldies� clash yesterday at the Accra Sports Stadium. The winger came off the bench to score a last minute equaliser in the 93rd minute to make the scores even and send the Kotoko supporters in a jubilant mood. Hearts trailed their sworn rivals 3-1 in their first encounter played in Kumasi three months ago, and vowed to avenge the defeat in the return leg. The Phobians, however, started well with James Nanor, Amankwah Mireku, Emmanuel Armah, Awulley Quaye Jnr and Ben Adjei in action. They got the opener in the 32nd minute when Awuley Quaye�s clever pass at the edge of the box met advancing Thomas Otenkorang, who slotted in for the first goal. Hearts probed further for the second goal but a resolute Kotoko side, made up of Godwin Ablordey, Odartey Lamptey, Joe Debrah and Prince Polley stood firm. After recess, Hearts introduced Ishmael Addo and the former ace striker returned the gesture when he increased the tally to two after receiving a headed pass from Awuley Quaye Jnr and cooly chipping the ball to the blind side of Kotoko�s goalkeeper, Sampson Appiah. The homesters became complacent thereof and kept to their side of the field as Kotoko searched for a consolation. Kotoko�s coach, Abdul- Razak, introduced substitute Stephen Owusu, whose first touch bouyed up his colleagues. In the 88th minute the winger latched onto the ball in the box and dummied two Hearts defenders before floating to Olli Rahman, whose clever header saw the back of the net to give the visitor�s a glimmer of hope. In the 93rd minute, Owusu produced his magic when his powerful shot from a free-kick caught goalkeeper Nanor stunned and Hearts supporters bewildered.