By: Kwame Bediako
In a pulsating encounter at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday July 6, 2025, Asante Kotoko showcased remarkable resilience to overturn a first-half deficit and secure their ninth President’s Cup trophy with a 2-1 win over arch-rivals Hearts of Oak.
The match, marked by dramatic twists including a goalkeeping error, an own goal, a missed penalty, and a disallowed equalizer, underscored the fierce rivalry between Ghana’s football giants and the high stakes of the annual fixture honoring the sitting president.
Hearts of Oak took the lead in the 24th minute when Hamza Issah capitalized on a rare mistake by Kotoko goalkeeper Mohamed Camara, who spilled a cross allowing Issah to tap into an open net.
Despite this early setback, Kotoko maintained composure and intensified their efforts, but Hearts remained a threat, even suffering an injury blow with Mawuli Wayo’s early exit.
The first half ended with Kotoko trailing but undeterred.
The second half saw a swift turnaround as Kotoko’s Peter Amidu Acquah delivered a dangerous cross that defender Konadu Yiadom inadvertently headed into his own net, leveling the score.
Moments later, Kwame Opoku exploited defensive lapses to score the decisive goal, putting Kotoko ahead in the 53rd minute. Hearts appeared to have salvaged a point late on, but their equalizer was ruled out for offside, sparking protests and unrest among fans. The tension escalated when Emmanuel Amankwah missed a crucial penalty that could have forced a shootout.
The victory extends Kotoko’s unbeaten streak against Hearts in six games and cements their status as the most successful club in President’s Cup history with nine titles, spanning from their first in 1973 to the latest in 2025. Hearts of Oak remain the second most successful with six trophies but were left to rue missed opportunities in this fiercely contested edition.
Looking ahead, Kotoko’s focus shifts to the upcoming Champion of Champions clash against Ghana Premier League champions Gold Stars on August 31, buoyed by their President’s Cup triumph. Meanwhile, Hearts will seek to regroup and bounce back from this setback as they aim to restore pride under new management.
The enduring rivalry between these two clubs continues to captivate Ghanaian football fans, promising more thrilling chapters in the future
