Asante Kotoko Claims Victory Against Hearts of Oak to Secure 2025 President’s Cup

Asante Kotoko reinforced their supremacy over their longstanding rivals, Hearts of Oak, with an exhilarating 2-1 comeback triumph in the 2025 President’s Cup, held at the Accra Sports Stadium.

This victory not only secured Kotoko a remarkable ninth President’s Cup title but also extended their unbeaten streak against Hearts to five matches, which includes four victories and one draw.

Hearts of Oak opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, taking advantage of a defensive oversight as Hamza Issah found the net following a mistake by Kotoko’s goalkeeper.

After conceding the early goal, Kotoko displayed remarkable resilience and composure, launching a spirited fightback in the second half.

The equaliser was registered in the 51st minute when Hearts defender Konadu Yiadom inadvertently turned a threatening cross into his own goal. Just moments later, Kwame Opoku completed the turnaround with a clinical finish, igniting jubilation among the Kotoko supporters.

Opoku and his teammates celebrated by replicating Diogo Jota’s iconic video game-style goal celebration.

Hearts of Oak pushed hard for a late equaliser, having a goal ruled out for offside and missing a crucial penalty, but Kotoko’s defence remained steadfast to secure the win.

This victory is regarded as a crucial psychological boost for the Porcupine Warriors as they gear up for their return to continental competition in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Kotoko’s coach, Abdul Karim Zito, lauded his team’s fighting spirit, underscoring the significance of the win for the club and its supporters.

“There’s nothing quite like defeating Hearts to bring joy to Kotoko fans, particularly in a decisive match. This win wraps up our season beautifully and provides us with the momentum we need heading into the Confederation Cup. We turned the pain of previous defeats into motivation, and today the players delivered when it mattered most.”

Conversely, Hearts coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani acknowledged Kotoko’s quality and stressed the importance of ongoing improvement:

“We attempted to employ a more measured training approach in preparation for this significant match. It’s a tough defeat, but we must learn from it and work harder. The rivalry brings out the best in both teams, and we need to regroup for the challenges that lie ahead.”

With the President’s Cup now in their possession, Asante Kotoko will turn their attention to the CAF Confederation Cup, with the preliminary stage commencing next month.