2025/26 Ghana Premier League: Week 9 Match Preview - Hearts of Oak vs Asante Kotoko

Hearts of Oak will be aiming to end their recent poor run against arch-rivals Asante Kotoko when the two giants clash in the first Super Clash of the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Phobians are winless in their last four league meetings against Kotoko, with their last victory coming in 2023 courtesy of Caleb Amankwah’s solitary strike. Since then, the Porcupine Warriors have dominated the fixture, winning three and drawing one in that period.

Hearts of Oak’s inconsistent form over the past two seasons led to a change in technical direction, with the club appointing former Kotoko coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani as head coach. The two-time league winner with Kotoko has revitalised the Phobians, making them a more organised and confident side. They have been compact defensively, conceding just three goals in eight matches, and remain unbeaten in the league so far. After struggling in front of goal earlier in the campaign, Hearts have hit their stride in recent weeks, netting six of their eight goals this season in their last three matches against Berekum Chelsea, Bibiani Gold Stars and Basake Holy Stars.

Speaking ahead of the clash, Dramani expressed confidence in his team’s growth and playing style. "We will do everything humanly possible to get the best out of the game. We respect what they have, but we still believe our identity is the best," he said. "Of course, we know Kotoko are one of the biggest clubs in Ghana with top-quality players, but we also have what it takes to compete with them."

Kotoko, led by Karim Zito, also head into the encounter unbeaten this season, although they have played three games fewer due to their involvement in the CAF Confederation Cup. Despite suffering a heavy defeat to Wydad Casablanca, the Porcupine Warriors quickly regained confidence with a commanding 4-2 victory over Karela United, thanks to a brace from the in-form Hubert Gyau.

Zito is no stranger to facing Hearts of Oak, having met them eight times in his coaching career, mostly during his spell with Dreams FC. He has managed one win, two defeats, and five draws in those encounters, a record he will be keen to improve on. The experienced tactician understands the magnitude of the fixture and the emotions it stirs across the country.

"Hearts of Oak and Kotoko, everybody knows how the game is, it’s one of the biggest in Ghana," Zito told Kotoko Media. "We are going there with the mindset of winning. You plan against the best side of your opponent and capitalise on their weaker side, and that’s exactly what we are doing to meet Hearts of Oak."

Both teams possess immense quality and tactical depth. Hearts will rely on the leadership of goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, the defensive solidity of Kelvin Asibey, and the finishing of Hamza Issah. For Kotoko, the likes of Peter Amidu Acquah and Hubert Gyau will be key attacking threats, while the club remains hopeful that striker Kwame Opoku will be passed fit in time for the clash.

The form guide and numbers may point to a tight contest, but games of this magnitude are rarely predictable. They are often settled by moments of brilliance, flashes of courage, or a single costly mistake, and Sunday’s clash could be no different.

Send your news stories to [email protected] and via WhatsApp on +233 546310076.

Read Full Story