Crossing the Divide: The Players Who Have Represented Both Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko
From C.K. Gyamfi to Charles Taylor, these are the rare footballers who have lived the ultimate Ghanaian football experience playing for both Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko.
In Ghanaian football, few rivalries stir emotion and loyalty quite like Hearts of Oak vs. Asante Kotoko. It’s a clash that divides families, cities, and generations. Yet, amid the fierce competition, a select group of players has dared to cross the divide men who have worn both the rainbow colours of Hearts and the red of Kotoko.
These footballers have not only defied fan expectations but have also added rich layers to the narrative of Ghana’s greatest football rivalry.
The story begins with pioneers such as C.K. Gyamfi, Amusa Gbadamoshie, and Osei Kofi, whose brilliance transcended club lines and helped define the golden age of Ghanaian football. Their names are spoken with reverence in both Accra and Kumasi.
As decades passed, more heroes joined the list; Opoku Afriyie, Kofi Abbrey, Edward Agyemang Duah, and the ever controversial Charles Taylor, whose switch from Hearts to Kotoko remains one of the most talked about transfers in Ghana’s football history.
The bridge between Accra and Kumasi continues to be crossed in modern times. Players like Emmanuel Osei Kuffour, Louis Agyemang, Soulama Abdoulaye, Eric Ofori Antwi, Mohammed Alhassan, and Rocky Dwamena have all represented both clubs, proving that the rivalry’s pull remains as strong as ever.
Their moves often spark emotions, excitement, anger, and admiration, but they also highlight the professional respect between the two football powerhouses.
Here’s a look at some of the players who have proudly represented both Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko over the years:
C.K. Gyamfi, Amusa Gbadamoshie, Wallace Addy, Osei Kofi, Sam Ampeh, Seth Ampadu, Nana Eshun, Kofi Owusu (Alemao), Sampson Lamptey, Thomas Hammond (First in the Air), Kofi Abbrey, Opoku Afriyie, Emmanuel Yartey, Godwin Ablordey, Edward Agyemang Duah, Charles Taylor, Lawrence Adjei, Kenneth Sarpong, Edmund Copson, Yaw Sakyi,Joe Louis, Douglas Nkrumah, Michael Asante, Louis Agyemang, Emmanuel Osei Kuffour, Saanie Mohammed, Edward Affum, Samuel Nzemaba, Soulama Abdoulaye, Mutawakil Seidu, Haruna Ganiyu, Ollenu Ashitey, Kofi Agyare, Akwasi Bobbie Ansah, Ernest Sowah, Evans Quao, Eric Ofori Antwi, Mohammed Alhassan, and Rocky Dwamena.
From C.K. Gyamfi’s leadership to Charles Taylor’s explosive transfers and Soulama Abdoulaye’s fearless goalkeeping, each player on this list has carved a unique story on both sides of the rivalry. Their journeys serve as a reminder that beyond the chants, colours, and competition lies a shared love for Ghanaian football, one that continues to unite fans through the beauty of the game.