The Porcupine Warriors failed to record a win in their first game of the Premier League season at home
Asante Kotoko shared the spoils 1-1 with bitterest rivals Hearts of Oak on matchday three of Ghana Premier League at Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on Sunday.
Kotoko came into the game on the back of a disappointing performance in Caf Champions League as they were eliminated by Burkina Faso champions RC Kadiogo.
Despite coming close on several occasions to break the deadlock against Hearts, goalkeeper Richmond Ayi was always available to save the Phobians.
However, Kotoko finally found a breach in Hearts’ defence to open the scoring after the break. Defender Yussif Mubarik shot Kotoko into the lead by the 57th minute from a rebound after Ayi’s initial save from a free-kick.
Kotoko appealed for a penalty on two different occasions after Steven Mukwala appeared to have been brought down in the box but referee Yao Bless did not award any.
Hearts drew level on 87th minute through defender Caleb Amankwah. The lanky centre-back connected a free-kick which went past goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim. Although, Kotoko appealed for offside and wanted the goal to be overturned, the referee awarded it to Hearts.