Accra Hearts of Oak consolidated their position on top of the league log and claimed bragging rights over archrivals Asante Kotoko in the Ghana Premier League game courtesy a lone goal from in-form winger Daniel Afriyie Barnieh.

The Ghana U20 captain found the back of the net after half-time in the top-of-the-table clash, Sunday.

His goal ultimately separated the two sides, who prior to this afternoon’s game, were tied at the summit of the table with 56 points.

The Phobians have now extended their lead to three points, with only three more rounds of matches left.

The host began strongly, taking the game to the visitors and won two corner kicks within the first two minutes.

In the fourth minute, Hearts tested Baah after Salifu played a short free-kick to Emmanuel Nettey, but the latter’s shot was no worry for the goalkeeper.

In the 20th minute, Hearts goalkeeper Richard Attah was called into action, saving Patrick Asmah’s free-kick.

At the opposite end once again, Baah had to react appropriately to keep out Mohammed Fatawu’s effort after he received a looping pass from Frederick Ansah Botchway.

After the half-time break in the 62nd minute, Gyamfi attempted to find the back of the net with a first-time shot following a Gama through-ball but the shot went off target.

In the 66th minute, Afriyie finally broke the deadlock for the Phobians from close range, shooting first-time on a half-turn beyond Baah after a low shot was drilled into the penalty box.

Kotoko tried to mount a comeback, but with their struggle to create clear-cut scoring chances, they were left helpless as referee Daniel Laryea brought the game to an end after four minutes of injury time.

Hearts are two wins away to end their long wait for major silverware this season with success in the GPL, their last title coming in 2009.