GPL: Asante Kotoko grab a narrow win over Hearts of Oak in Accra
10th November 2025
Asante Kotoko claimed a narrow 1–0 victory over Hearts of Oak in the first Super Clash of the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season, with referee Reginald Collins Amoah at the heart of the drama in a fiercely contested encounter at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The match’s defining moment came on the stroke of halftime, when Amoah awarded Kotoko a penalty after Amankwah Baafi’s challenge on Peter Amidu Acquah. Guinean forward Morifing Donzo converted coolly, sparking debate but ultimately deciding the game.
Hearts responded with urgency after the break, creating chances through Raphael Amponsah and Hamza Issah, but Kotoko’s defence held firm.
In stoppage time, Mawuli Wayo thought he had salvaged a point with a spectacular strike, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside after consultation with the assistant referees — a decision that kept Kotoko’s lead intact.
League Implications
- Kotoko: 7th place, 5 points off the top, with 3 games in hand
- Hearts of Oak: 5th place, first defeat of the season
Kotoko have now won four of the last five league meetings against Hearts, reinforcing their recent dominance in the rivalry.
Asante Kotoko, after the crucial victory in Accra over sworn rivals Accra Hearts of Oak, will turn their attention to Vision FC as they travel to honour their rescheduled game on Wednesday, November 12 whilst Accra Hearts of Oak turn focus on their away game at Swedru All Blacks on Sunday, November 16.