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Asante Kotoko delivered a thrilling 2-1 comeback win over arch-rivals Accra Hearts of Oak to lift the 2025 GHALCA President’s Cup, in a fiery encounter witnessed by President John Dramani Mahama at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, July 6.
The Porcupine Warriors overturned a first-half deficit with two quick goals early in the second half, before goalkeeper Mohammed Camara sealed the win with a heroic penalty save in the 83rd minute.
Hearts of Oak looked dominant from the onset and took the lead in the 23rd minute through in-form striker Hamza Issah, who pounced on a poor clearance by Kotoko’s keeper Camara. The Phobians piled on the pressure, with Mawuli Wayo threatening the Kotoko defence before being forced off with an injury.
Kotoko struggled to find rhythm and were clearly second-best in the opening 45 minutes, receiving a yellow card for a rough challenge by captain Samba O’Neil as frustrations grew.
After a halftime musical performance by Shatta Wale, Kotoko returned with renewed energy. They were handed an unexpected boost when Hearts controversially substituted their captain, Osei Assibey.
Kotoko’s equaliser came in the 53rd minute through Peter Aminu Acquah, who dazzled down the left flank before smashing the ball home. Just two minutes later, Kwame Opoku made it 2-1 after a defensive error handed him a chance, assisted by Albert Amoah.
Hearts thought they had equalised in the 76th minute, but the goal was ruled offside sparking outrage among fans. Minutes later, the Phobians were awarded a penalty, but Camara made a dramatic save from Abdul Aziz’s effort to keep Kotoko ahead.
Despite a relentless late push and five minutes of stoppage time, Kotoko held firm to secure victory.
President Mahama, who performed the ceremonial kickoff and inspected the teams, presented the trophy to Kotoko captain Baba Mahama after the final whistle.
