Kumasi Asante Kotoko Sporting Club on Sunday, July 6, 2025, came from behind to beat their bitter rivals Accra Hearts of Oak 2-1 at the Accra Sports Stadium to lift their ninth President’s Cup title.
The match, played in honour of Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama, delivered high drama, late heroics, and the continuation of Kotoko’s recent dominance in the most storied rivalry in Ghanaian football.
A packed stadium, high-profile dignitaries, and a sea of red and rainbow colours provided the backdrop for a fiercely contested edition of the President’s Cup.
The result marked Hearts’ fifth consecutive failure to beat Kotoko, and came courtesy of a spirited second-half performance by the Porcupine Warriors, capped off by a match-saving penalty stop from goalkeeper Mohammed Camara.
Hearts capitalise on goalkeeping error
The Phobians got off to the brighter start and were duly rewarded in the 27th minute after a calamitous error by Kotoko goalkeeper Mohammed Camara.
A high cross into the box was fumbled by the keeper, who dropped the ball into open space. Hearts forward Hamza Issah reacted quickest, tapping home into an empty net to put the hosts in front and spark celebrations among the Accra faithful.
The goal rocked Kotoko, who spent the remainder of the first half chasing shadows and failing to string together meaningful possession.
Despite pressing for an equaliser, the Porcupine Warriors lacked precision in the final third, and Hearts went into the break with a deserved 1-0 lead.
Kotoko strike twice in two minutes
Whatever was said in the Kotoko dressing room during the interval had an immediate impact. Just minutes after the restart, Kotoko found the equaliser.
Peter Amidu Acquah, a livewire down the left flank, delivered a dangerous cross which was deflected into the net by Hearts defender Konadu Yiadom for an own goal.
Barely a minute later, Kotoko turned the game on its head. A long clearance from Camara caught the Hearts defence flat-footed.
Albert Amoah latched onto the ball and showed excellent vision to square it to Kwame Poku, who made no mistake from close range to put Kotoko 2-1 ahead.
The double salvo stunned Hearts and ignited the travelling Kotoko support.
The tide of the game had shifted firmly in the Porcupine Warriors’ favour.
Late Drama: Penalty save redeems Camara
Hearts of Oak mounted pressure in the final quarter of the game and thought they had drawn level, only for their goal to be controversially ruled out for offside—a decision that sparked protests from the Hearts bench.
Moments later, they were handed a golden opportunity to equalise when a shot struck the hand of Kotoko defender Zackaria Fuseini inside the box.
The referee pointed to the spot, setting the stage for a dramatic twist.
Up stepped Emmanuel Amankwah for Hearts, but his penalty was tame and too close to the middle.
Camara, seeking redemption for his earlier error, guessed correctly and palmed away the shot, preserving Kotoko’s lead and ultimately the victory.
Hearts pressed for a leveller in the dying minutes, creating a flurry of half-chances, but Kotoko’s defence stood tall, and the final whistle triggered wild celebrations from the Kumasi side.
President Mahama leads trophy presentation
President John Dramani Mahama was in attendance and presented the President’s Cup to Kotoko captain Samba Gilbani amid applause from the crowd.
He was joined by several dignitaries including Sports Minister Kofi Adams, Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Amoakohene, Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Ocloo, and Ghana Football Association Vice President Mark Addo.
The match was not just a football spectacle but also a national event celebrating unity and excellence in sportsmanship.
Hearts extend winless streak against Kotoko
The victory extended Kotoko’s dominance over Hearts of Oak, with the Phobians now winless in their last five encounters against their old foes.
The defeat is a blow to Hearts as they prepare to travel to Nigeria for the Eko International Tournament, a high-profile eight-team competition.
Kotoko, meanwhile, will be buoyed by their triumph as they gear up for a trip to South Africa later this month where they are set to face Kaizer Chiefs in the Toyota Cup.
A rivalry rekindled, a legacy cemented
The 2025 President’s Cup was everything Ghanaian football fans could hope for—intensity, controversy, tactical battles, and moments of individual brilliance.
For Kotoko, it was a reaffirmation of their big-game pedigree, and for Hearts, a reminder of the fine margins that separate glory from heartbreak.
The win was yet another feather in the cap of a Kotoko side that continues to evolve with youth, purpose, and growing confidence under new leadership.
With the domestic season looming and international tests ahead, both teams will take valuable lessons from this storied fixture that once again lived up to its billing.
