Asante Kotoko came from behind to secure a dramatic 2-1 victory over arch-rivals Hearts of Oak in the 2025 GHALCA President’s Cup final at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.
In a game packed with tension and drama, the Porcupine Warriors showed grit and determination to overturn a first-half deficit and clinch their ninth President’s Cup title, extending their unbeaten run against Hearts to six matches.
Hearts took the lead in the first half through Hamza Issah, who capitalised on a costly error from Kotoko goalkeeper Mohamed Camara. The Phobians dominated the early exchanges and went into the break with a deserved advantage.
But Kotoko responded in style after the break. A cross deflected off Hearts defender Konadu Yiadom for an own goal to level the score. Soon after, Kwame Opoku pounced on defensive lapses to score the winner for the Reds.
Hearts thought they had equalised late in the game, but the goal was ruled out for offside, a decision that angered fans and led to objects being thrown onto the pitch.
The Phobians were handed a lifeline in the dying moments, but Emmanuel Amankwah missed a crucial penalty that would have forced a shootout.
The match was held in honour of the President John Dramani Mahama, who was present in the stadium.
Kotoko’s win takes them to nine President’s Cup triumphs, while Hearts remain on six.