Burkinabe striker Songne Yacouba made sure Asante Kotoko accounted for Hearts of Oak at the Babayara Sports Stadium in the first leg of a two-legged clash between the two most glamorous clubs.
40th and 69th-minute strikes in both halves was all the attacker needed to become the most valuable player of the game.
The Phobians started a better side of both sides but lost their momentum in the 17th minute when striker Joseph Esso was fouled and could not continue the game.
The Porcupine Warriors then took over and dominated the midfield, resulting in the first goal for the side.
Yacouba was too much for the Hearts of Oak defence with Jordan Opoku also stealing the show in the middle of the turf.
Hearts of Oak defender Robert Addo was given the marching orders when he landed a cynical tackle on his marker in the glaring view of the referee Maxwell Hanson for the second time.
The two sides will lock horns in the in the second leg of the game on September 3 at the same venue.
