Kotoko Rally to Defeat Hearts of Oak and Lift Ninth President’s Cup Trophy

Asante Kotoko are the champions of the 2025 President Cup for the ninth time in the history of the competition since 1969. ✨️🛑🏆

✅️ 1973: Champion 🏆

✅️ 1984: Champion 🏆

✅️ 2004: Champion 🏆

✅️ 2005: Champion 🏆

✅️ 2008: Champion 🏆

✅️ 2016: Champion 🏆

✅️ 2017: Champion 🏆

✅️ 2019: Champion 🏆

✅️ 2025: Champion 🏆

Asante Kotoko came from behind to claim a 2-1 victory over arch-rivals Accra Hearts of Oak in the 2025 President’s Cup at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.

The President’s Cup is an annual fixture held in honour of the sitting President of the Republic of Ghana. This year’s edition was graced by the presence of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, who witnessed an electrifying clash between the country’s two most decorated clubs.

Hearts of Oak dominated the early exchanges and carved out multiple chances, with Hamza Issah and Mawuli Wayo both failing to capitalise. Kotoko’s Kwame Opoku came close to punishing a defensive error by Konadu Yiadom in the 14th minute but dragged his effort wide.

The Phobians eventually broke the deadlock in the 24th minute when Hamza Issah slotted home after a rare blunder by Kotoko goalkeeper Mohamed Camara. However, Hearts were dealt a blow six minutes later when Mawuli Wayo was forced off through injury and replaced by Martin Karikari.

Kotoko emerged revitalised after the break and nearly drew level when Emmanuel Antwi’s beautifully struck free-kick rattled the woodwork. The equaliser came soon after, albeit fortuitously, when Konadu Yiadom inadvertently headed Peter Amidu Acquah’s cross into his own net.

The turnaround was completed in the 53rd minute when Kwame Opoku made amends for his earlier miss by firing home to give the Porcupine Warriors a 2-1 lead.

Hearts of Oak thought they had equalised in the 75th minute through Hamza Issah, but his tap-in from Karikari’s pass was ruled offside. The Phobians were then handed a lifeline in the 82nd minute when Mohammed Hussein’s shot struck a Kotoko hand in the box, resulting in a penalty. Emmanuel Amankwah stepped up but failed to convert, spurning the chance to level the tie.

Despite four minutes of added time, Hearts were unable to find another opportunity, and it was Asante Kotoko who emerged victorious, claiming their ninth President’s Cup title.

The Porcupine Warriors, who also clinched the 2024/25 Ghana FA Cup, now turn their focus to the upcoming Champion of Champions match against Ghana Premier League winners Gold Stars, scheduled for 31st August.