Morifing Donzo’s first-half goal handed Asante Kotoko a crucial 1–0 victory over archrivals Accra Hearts of Oak on Matchday 9 of the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The atmosphere was electric even before kickoff, with both sets of fans confident their teams could claim the bragging rights.
Kotoko started the brighter side, showing more intent and sharpness in the opening stages. Their persistence paid off in the 44th minute when they were awarded a penalty, which Donzo calmly converted and that ultimately decided the game.
Hearts of Oak returned from the break with renewed energy and dominated much of the second half. They looked threatening in attack, but once again, their lack of clinical finishing in front of goal proved costly a problem that has plagued them since the start of the season.
Head coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani made several tactical changes that swung the momentum toward Hearts, but Kotoko’s disciplined backline stood firm and repelled every dangerous move.
In the dying moments, Hearts thought they had equalised, but their goal was ruled out for offside. Despite their improved second-half performance, Kotoko held their ground and walked away with all three points.
After the final whistle, a few Hearts players confronted the referee in a manner that breached the spirit of fair play. While the situation was quickly brought under control, it highlighted the need for the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to strengthen measures that ensure the protection of match officials.
Although it’s still early in the season, history suggests that the winner of the first-round clash between these two giants often goes on to win the league while the losing side struggles to recover. Kotoko fans will certainly hope that pattern continues in their favour.
By Jesse Otoo
