It was Kotoko who started the match on an aggressive note, firing from angles in a bid to unsettle their arch-rivals, the Phobians, with an early goal.

The telepathic understanding and sublime movement amongst Kotoko’s attacking trio - Sogne Yacouba, Emmanuel Gyamfi and Augustine Okrah, remained a constant threat to the visitors until the Phobians broke the deadlock against the run of play in the 38th minute.

Hearts’ bulky striker, Kofi Kordji, was on hand to give the visitors the vital lead after he converted a spot-kick.

The goal came from the striker’s own brilliant solo effort as he drove through the Kotoko back-line, and in an attempt to stop his advances, the ball hit the hand of Ampem Dacosta of Kotoko.

The Phobians had their lead cancelled two minutes into extra time of the first half when their skipper, Mohammed Alhassan, scored an own goal from a Patrick Yeboah in-swinger to restore parity for the Porcupine Warriors.

The goal seemed to have boosted Kotoko’s confidence and, subsequently, come into the second half a transformed side.

Substitute Naby Keita registered the second goal for the homers in the 66th minute when he connected home a Patrick Yeboah well-taken cross, and the game thereon, played in a more combative fashion as the two teams struggled to take control of the midfield.

Hearts’ goalie Richard Attah was called to duty on numerous occasions to save his side from conceding further goals, and in the latter stages of the match, he made some point blank saves to the admiration of the spectators.

Robert Addo of Hearts was shown the red card for rough play on the stroke of full time.

It was all joy for the Porcupine Warriors as the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Isaac Kwame Asiamah, representing the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, presented the Cup to skipper Emmanuel Gyamfi.