Hearts and Kotoko renew rivalry on matchday nine of the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League. As the ninth round of the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season kicks off this weekend, excitement is building among football fans eager to see how their teams respond in the quest for vital points.
The season has already showcased a blend of high-intensity performances and tactical surprises. Emerging talents have begun to make their mark, adding fresh energy to the competition, while managers across the league continue to tweak their strategies in search of consistency. With every point now proving crucial, the coming weekend promises more drama, determination and defining moments on the pitch.
Match officials have earned praise this season for their consistency and composure, helping to ensure a fair and competitive atmosphere across fixtures. Their performance has contributed to the growing sense of discipline and respect within the league.
Beyond the pitch, the positive conduct of players, coaches and supporters has also been a highlight of the campaign. The renewed sense of unity and respect across all levels of the game reflects a league evolving not just in quality, but in professionalism and sportsmanship as well.
Below are the matchday nine previews:
Hearts, Kotoko Face Off in Accra
The city of Accra is bracing for Ghana’s biggest soccer rivalry as Hearts of Oak host Asante Kotoko in a fixture that continues to define Ghanaian football. With both sides entering the match under contrasting circumstances, the stakes are high and the atmosphere promises to be electric.
Hearts head into this clash in strong form, sitting fourth on the league table with 16 points after eight matches. Their recent performances have been encouraging, pushing them closer to the top three.
The Phobians appear more balanced this season, displaying improved organisation and confidence, especially at home, where they have been difficult to break down.
Black Stars’ number one goalkeeper, Benjamin Asare, could prove the difference if Hearts are to get anything from this encounter.
Kotoko, meanwhile, are enduring a challenging start to their campaign as they currently occupy ninth place with 11 points with three outstanding matches in hand. Kotoko will be eager to make the most of their opportunities and a match against Hearts provides the perfect platform to reignite their season.
Recent head-to-head meetings between the two sides highlight the unpredictability of this rivalry. In their last few competitive encounters, Kotoko have claimed three victories, including 2–0 and 3–2 wins.
Hearts, however, dominated their most recent meeting, a 2–0 friendly victory in August, 2025 suggesting the momentum may be shifting their way.
With Hearts aiming to strengthen their title push and Kotoko desperate to climb the table, this clash has all the ingredients of a tense, high-quality battle.
Expect intensity, tactical discipline and moments of brilliance as Ghana’s biggest rivals collide once again.
Heart of Lions Host Berekum Chelsea
Heart of Lions prepare to face Berekum Chelsea in what promises to be a tightly contested Premier League encounter, with both sides looking to gain valuable momentum at this stage of the season.
Heart of Lions enter the fixture in a promising position, sitting fifth on the league table with 15 points just behind Hearts of Oak and within touching distance of the top four.
Their recent form shows improvement, highlighted by competitive performances and greater attacking stability. Playing at home, where they traditionally perform strongly, the Lions will see this match as a key opportunity to climb further up the standings.
Berekum Chelsea, on the other hand, approaches the fixture with mixed results in recent games. Though their current standing is slightly lower than that of Heart of Lions, Chelsea has shown resilience and the ability to grind out results.
Their head-to-head history with the Kpando-based side suggests they are capable of causing problems once again.
With each side having claimed one win and shared a draw in their recent encounters, this fixture remains delicately balanced. Heart of Lions will rely on their strong home form and current league position, while Berekum Chelsea will aim to replicate their narrow victory from April.
League leaders Aduana welcome Medeama
Aduana and Medeama are set for a heavyweight clash at the top of the Ghana Premier League table, with both sides entering the fixture in excellent form and separated by just a single point. This matchup has all the makings of a title-defining encounter.
Aduana currently sit first on the league table with 18 points after eight matches. Their campaign has been built on efficiency and defensive solidity, reflected in their six wins and impressive goal record.
Playing at home, where they are particularly strong, Aduana will look to reassert their dominance and maintain their position at the summit.
Medeama, sitting second with 17 points, have been equally impressive. With five wins, two draws, and just one loss, they boast one of the most balanced squads in the league. Their goal record reflects a team capable of blending defensive organisation with sharp attacking play. Medeama’s recent form suggests momentum is building at just the right time ahead of this crucial fixture.
The head-to-head history between the two sides adds even more intrigue. Medeama have proven they can trouble Aduana, securing 2–0 victories in both March 2024 and March 2025.
However, Aduana responded strongly with a 2–2 draw in October 2024 and a 2–0 home win in September 2023. This evenly balanced record underscores how unpredictable this fixture can be.
With only one point separating the teams, the winner could gain a significant early advantage in the title race.
By Jesse Otoo
