Asante Kotoko will be targeting a season double over rivals Hearts of Oak when the two sides meet on Sunday at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi in what is expected to be their final encounter of the campaign, following both clubs’ elimination from the MTN FA Cup.
Kotoko won the first meeting earlier in the season at the Accra Sports Stadium, where a controversial first-half penalty converted by Morifing Donzo proved decisive.
The Porcupine Warriors head into the clash amid uncertainty on the technical bench. Interim coach Prince Yaw Owusu is in charge after Karim Zito’s resignation. Reports, earlier in the week, suggest he faced resistance during training before management intervened to maintain stability.
Form has also been a concern. Kotoko have managed just one win in their last six matches in all competitions, suffering back-to-back defeats, including a FA Cup Round of 16 exit on penalties to Aduana FC at home. A 3-1 league loss to Heart of Lions in Kpando dropped them to fifth place on 35 points, one point behind the top four.
Despite the recent struggles, Kotoko remain one of the league’s most balanced sides. They have scored 28 goals, the second-highest tally, while conceding only 14. Their home form is a major boost, as they are unbeaten in 10 league matches at Baba Yara this season, with six wins and four draws. They are also unbeaten in their last five home league meetings with Hearts.
Hearts of Oak arrive in Kumasi in a calmer atmosphere, with coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani overseeing a disciplined side.
The Phobians are unbeaten in their last four league matches, recording two wins and two draws while keeping clean sheets in all four games. Their most recent result, a goalless draw against Bechem United, maintained their push near the top of the table. Hearts sit slightly above Kotoko with 36 points from 21 matches.
Unlike their rivals, Hearts have built their campaign on defensive strength rather than attacking output. They have scored only 15 goals but boast the best defensive record, conceding just seven times.
Their away form has been particularly impressive. With five wins, four draws, and only two defeats on the road, Hearts are the league’s strongest travelling side and have conceded just four away goals all season.
However, history presents a challenge. Hearts have not recorded a league win away to Kotoko in Kumasi since the 2020/21 season.
This fixture carries added weight in the league title race, as the teams remain within touching distance of the summit. Kotoko will rely on their strong home record to rediscover momentum, while Hearts will look to extend their defensive solidity and overcome a difficult record in Kumasi.
