Asante Kotoko claimed a narrow but vital 1-0 victory over arch-rivals Hearts of Oak in the first Super Clash of the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season on Sunday at the Accra Sports Stadium. The match was filled with drama and controversy, with referee Reginald Collins Amoah at the center of several decisive moments.
The game’s only goal came just before halftime when Amoah awarded a penalty to Kotoko following what he deemed a reckless tackle by Amankwah Baafi on winger Peter Amidu Acquah. Guinean striker Morifing Donzo stepped up confidently and converted the spot-kick to give the Porcupine Warriors a crucial lead. The decision, however, sparked heated debate among fans and pundits alike.
Hearts of Oak came out firing in the second half, pushing relentlessly for an equalizer. Raphael Amponsah’s long-range strike and a potential chance for Hamza Issah were among the closest moments for the Phobians. Despite their pressure, Kotoko’s defense stood firm, with goalkeeper Frederick Asare making key interventions to preserve their advantage.
The climax of the tension came deep into stoppage time when Mawuli Wayo appeared to have rescued a point for Hearts with a brilliant finish, only for the goal to be disallowed for offside after the referee consulted his assistants. That decision sealed Kotoko’s hard-fought win amid protests from the Hearts bench.
Kotoko started the match on the front foot, threatening early through Saaka Dauda and Hubert Gyau, while Hearts took time to settle into their rhythm. The statistics reflected the intensity of the encounter—Kotoko recorded six shots to Hearts’ five, with three on target compared to just one for the Phobians.
This victory extends Kotoko’s dominance in recent league meetings, with four wins in their last five encounters against Hearts of Oak. The result lifts the Porcupine Warriors to seventh on the league table, five points adrift of the summit but with three games in hand. Hearts, on the other hand, tasted their first defeat of the season and will look to bounce back when they face Swedru All Blacks in midweek, while Kotoko turn their attention to a trip to Vision FC.