Africa-Press – Ghana. Asante Kotoko won the 2025 President’s Cup match at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, defeating arch-rivals Hearts of Oak 2-1.
With President John Dramani Mahama in attendance, the match lived up to the expectation, with over 35,000 people enjoying the thrilling encounter.
Kwame Poku’s goal and Konadu Yiadom’s own goal secured victory for the Porcupine Warriors, who have now won over four consecutive games against Hearts of Oak in recent months.
Hamza Mohammed gave Hearts the lead in the first half after a howler from Kotoko goalkeeper Mohammed Camara in the 24th minute of the game.
The tension in the first half was evident, with both teams attempting to establish their dominance over the game.
Despite dominating in the first half, Kotoko were unable to challenge the Hearts of Oak defence, which was being marshalled by the dependable Kelvin Osei Osibey.
But things got difficult for Hearts of Oak when captain Osei Osibey had to be withdrawn due to an injury at the start of the second half.
Kotoko capitalised on the inexperienced Hearts of Oak’s back line and scored two goals in quick succession to take the lead.
Midway through the second half Hearts of Oak thought they had found the equaliser after Issah tapped home from close range, but the referee ruled for an offside to the despair of the home fans.
Hearts of Oak’s Emmanuel Amakwah had a glorious opportunity to equalise for his side from the penalty spot very late in the second half, but Kotoko goalkeeper Camara pulled off a brilliant save to keep his side’s lead.
Asante Kotoko held on firmly to their lead as the game ended and were subsequently crowned Champions of the 2025 President’s Cup.
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