Kotoko Trample on Hearts to Win Maiden Democracy Cup

The Asante Kotoko Sporting Club proved to be the better side yesterday evening at the Accra Sports Stadium when they locked horns with arch-rivals Accra Hearts of Oak.

After both teams had their fair share of struggles in the previous season with the Phobians nearly getting relegated, they tested themselves ahead of the next season using the competition organized by the Parliament of Ghana in conjunction with the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

As Kotoko fielded experienced players like Federick Asare, the new team captain, Emmanuel Kotei, Justice Blay, Bernard Somuah, Baba Yahaya, Andrews Ntim, and Peter Amidu, they also introduced new signings including Emmanuel Antwi, Elvis Kyei, Congolese midfielder Samba Oniel, and Sudanese forward Esmat Abdulhamid.

Both sides went into the game hopeful of taking over the bragging right and the coveted cup and this translated into a deadlock that nearly entered into recess.

Kotoko’s Justice Blay, however, altered the scoreboard digits in the 32nd minute when he converted a penalty won by Peter Amidu Acquah when he was unfairly tackled inside the box.

A persistent Hearts tried to get parity in the first half to no avail, but their efforts paid off inside 50 minutes when the Accra-based club’s new forward Asamoah Boateng Afriyie netted the ball with a header to the delight of fans.

However, the joy was short-lived as Peter Amidu restored the lead to the Porcupines 12 minutes later.

The game thus ended in favour of Kotoko, extending their victory over Hearts for the third consecutive time.

Samba Oniel was voted the Man of the Match.