2026-27 GHANA PREMIER LEAGUE  PREVIEW: KUMASI ASANTE KOTOKO AWAITS HOMECOMING TEST AGAINST KPANDO HEART OF LIONS 

By: Isaac Amponsah (Dr Ike)

Predictions: Home win/draw 

• Kumasi Asante Kotoko are waiting for a Premier League home win this season as they prepare to host Kpando Heart of Lions in a week 2 fixture on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

• Heart of Lions have enjoyed their recent games against Asante Kotoko both home and away in their last seven (7) meetings.

• This highly anticipated match pits Asante Kotoko, seeking to reclaim home supremacy, against Heart of Lions, determined to maintain their flawless start.

• With both teams riding high on momentum, this clash promises to be an intense battle that could shape the trajectory of the 2026-27 season.

• The 2026-27 season of the Ghana League is the 64th edition since the competition started in 1956, but the 30th edition since the inception of the Ghana Premier League on December 18, 1993, in the 1993-94 season. Meanwhile, this marks the 62nd appearance for Asante Kotoko and the 16th appearance for Heart of Lions.

• The 2026-27 season is the 13th time that Ghana's elite competition has been played with 18 clubs, and below are the winners in those seasons:
• 1962-63 Accra Real Republicans 
• 1963-64 Kumasi Asante Kotoko 
• 1975 Kumasi Asante Kotoko 
• 1978 Accra Hearts of Oak
• 1979 Accra Hearts of Oak 
• 1980 Kumasi Asante Kotoko 
• 2020-21 Accra Hearts of Oak 
• 2021-22 Kumasi Asante Kotoko 
• 2022-23 Tarkwa Medeama SC 
• 2023-24 FC Samreboi Samartex 
• 2024-25 Bibiani Gold Stars 
• 2025-26 Tarkwa Medeama SC 

• Debibi United FC, Port City FC, and FC Ashanti Gold made their Ghana Premier League debuts in the 2026-27 edition when they featured in the matchday 1 games.

• Since the inception of Ghana League, 109 new clubs have featured since 1956 and only fourteen (14) clubs have won the title so far with Kumasi Asante Kotoko been the most successful club with 24, followed by Accra Hearts of Oak (21), Obuasi Ashanti Gold [Goldfields] (4), Accra Great Olympics (2), Dormaa Aduana FC (2), Tarkwa Medeama SC (2), Sekondi Eleven Wise (1), Accra Real Republicans (1), Cape Coast Ebusua Dwarfs (1), Sekondi Hasaacas (1), Berekum Chelsea (1), Legon Cities [Wa All Stars] (1), Samreboi FC Samartex 1996 and Bibiani Gold Stars (1).

• The defending champions are Tarkwa Medeama SC, who won the 2025-26 Ghana Premier League trophy with 62 points.

• Head-to-Head since the 2003 season. 

• Their first league game was played on July 20, 2003, in a Matchday 9 fixture in the 2003 season at the then Kpando Park; Lions won by a lone goal.

• 2003 season
Heart of Lions               1-0 Asante Kotoko
Asante Kotoko              3-0 Heart of Lions

• 2005 season
Asante Kotoko              1-0 Heart of Lions
Heart of Lions               0-1 Asante Kotoko ***

• 2006-07 season
Asante Kotoko              0-1 Heart of Lions ***
Heart of Lions               1-1 Asante Kotoko

• 2007-08 season
Asante Kotoko              3-2 Heart of Lions
Heart of Lions               1-2 Asante Kotoko ***

• 2008-09 season
Heart of Lions               1-2 Asante Kotoko ***
Asante Kotoko              0-1 Heart of Lions ***

• 2009-10 season
Heart of Lions               1-0 Asante Kotoko
Asante Kotoko              1-1 Heart of Lions

• 2010-11 season
Asante Kotoko              0-0 Heart of Lions
Heart of Lions               2-3 Asante Kotoko ***

• 2011-12 season
Asante Kotoko              2-0 Heart of Lions
Heart of Lions               0-0 Asante Kotoko

• 2012-13 season
Asante Kotoko              1-1 Heart of Lions
Heart of Lions               1-2 Asante Kotoko ***

• 2013-14 season
Heart of Lions               2-0 Asante Kotoko
Asante Kotoko              0-1 Heart of Lions ***

• 2014-15 season
Asante Kotoko              4-0 Heart of Lions
Heart of Lions               3-1 Asante Kotoko

• 2023-24 season 
Sunday, September 17, 2023 (Day 1)
Asante Kotoko              0-0 Heart of Lions 
MVP: Nurudeen Yussif Mohammed - Asante Kotoko 
Saturday, February 24, 2024 (Day 18)
Heart of Lions               1-0 Asante Kotoko 
Godfred Kwadwo Asamoah 52'
NB: Nicholas Mensah (Asante Kotoko) was sent off 
MVP: Thomas Kwabena Osae (GK) - Heart of Lions 

• 2024-25 season
Sunday, November 3, 2024 (Day 9) 
Asante Kotoko              0-1 Heart of Lions 
Kwadwo Obeng Junior 28'
Sunday, April 6, 2025 (Day 26) 
Heart of Lions               1-1 Asante Kotoko
Fawzi Ali 67'//Justice Blay 45+3'

• 2025-26 season 
Sunday, October 5, 2025 (Day 4)
Asante Kotoko             0-0 Heart of Lions 
Saturday, January 31, 2026 (Day 21)
Heart of Lions              3-1 Asante Kotoko
 Seedorf Asante 35', Fawzi Ali 45', Michael Ephson 74'//Ndongani Samba Gilbani O'Neil 59'

Total matches played      - 28
Asante Kotoko wins         - 10
Goals scored                     - 28
Heart of Lions wins          - 10
Goals scored                     - 26
Drawn games                    - 8

• Asante Kotoko are winless in their last seven (7) games against Heart of Lions in the GPL (D3 L4 GF3 GA9).

• Heart of Lions have won four (4) out of their 14 visits @ Asante Kotoko Home Grounds in the GPL since the 2003 season.
W4 D5 L5 GF8 GA15

• The last time Heart of Lions won @ Asante kotoko Home Grounds in the GPL is Sunday, November 3, 2024 in match Day 9 in the 2024-25 season at the Len Clay Stadium courtesy Kwadwo Obeng Junior on the 28th minute.

• The last time Heart of Lions won an away game at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium against @ Asante Kotoko in the GPL is March 26, 2014 in match Day 22 in the 2013-14 season (0-1) [12 years ago]

• Current Form:

• Asante Kotoko are winless in their last three (3) games in the GPL (D1 L2 GF4 GA7).
• 17/05/26 Bechem United 3-1 Asante Kotoko (Day 33) [2025-26]
• 24/05/26 Asante Kotoko 1-2 Swedru All Blacks (Day 34) [2025-26]
• 06/09/26 Debibi United 2-2 Asante Kotoko (Day 1) [2026-27]

• The last time Asante Kotoko won a game in the GPL was May 10, 2026, against Eleven Wonders (2-0).

• Heart of Lions are unbeaten in their last two (2) games in the GPL (W1 D1 GF3 GA0).
• 24/05/26 Heart of Lions 3-0 Hohoe United (Day 34) [2025-26]
• 06/09/26 Heart of Lions 0-0 Aduana FC (Day 1) [2026-27]

• The last time Heart of Lions lost a game in the competition was May 17, 2026, in matchday 33 of the 2025-26 season against Medeama SC (5-2).

• Match Facts:

• Asante Kotoko have played 20 Home games against teams based in the VOLTA REGION in the GPL since the 2003 season. 
W9 D5 L4 GF23 GA10

• Heart of Lions have played 45 Away games against teams based in the ASHANTI REGION in the GPL since the 2003 season. 
W6 D12 L27 GF34 GA75

• Here are some of the notable teams from the Volta Region that have featured in the Ghana League:
Teams from the Volta Region:
1. Ho Volta Heroes (1962-63)
2. Ho Mighty Eagles (1967)
3. Ho Sunset (1967)
4. Volta United (1973)
5. Volta Juantex (1978)
6. Ho Voradep (1989-90)
7. Kpando Heart of Lions (2003)
8. West African Football Academy (WAFA) (2014-15)
9. Hohoe United (2025-26)

These teams have represented the Volta Region in the top-flight league of Ghanaian football.

• Asante Kotoko have been unbeaten in their previous Day 2 home games in the Ghana Premier League since the 1999 season.
1999      Asante Kotoko 1-0 Goldfields
2001      Asante Kotoko 1-0 Goldfields
2002      Asante Kotoko 5-0 RTU
2003      Asante Kotoko 1-1 Goldfields
2005      Asante Kotoko 2-1 RTU
2006-07 Asante Kotoko 3-0 Berekum Arsenal
2008-09 Asante Kotoko 3-1 Ashanti Gold
2009-10 Asante Kotoko 2-1 Eleven Wise
2011-12 Asante Kotoko 3-0 Ashanti Gold
2014-15 Asante Kotoko 2-2 Sekondi Hasaacas
2015-16 Asante Kotoko 0-0 Ashanti Gold
2021-22 Asante Kotoko 2-0 Bechem United
2024-25 Asante Kotoko 1-0 Nsoatreman FC
2025-26 Asante Kotoko 2-0 Bibiani Gold Stars
W11   D3  GF28  GA6

• Heart of Lions ' 2 Away games in the GPL since the 2003 season.
2006-07 Liberty Professionals 2-1 Heart of Lions 
2007-08 Great Olympics           0-1 Heart of Lions 
2009-10 Sekondi Hasaacas     3-2 Heart of Lions 
2011-12 New Edubiase United 1-0 Heart of Lions 
2013-14 King Faisal                   0-0 Heart of Lions 
2014-15 Great Olympics           3-2 Heart of Lions 
2025-26 Eleven Wonders          1-4 Heart of Lions
W2 D1 L4 GF10 GA10

• Asante Kotoko Home matches in the month of SEPTEMBER in the GPL since the 1999 season.
19/09/99 Asante Kotoko   2-1 Dawu Youngsters
29/09/99 Asante Kotoko   2-0 Okwawu United
17/09/00 Asante Kotoko   3-0 Ebusua Dwarfs
24/09/00 Asante Kotoko   1-0 Kwaebibirem
02/09/01 Asante Kotoko   2-0 RTU
16/09/01 Asante Kotoko   2-0 Hearts of Oak
30/09/01 Asante Kotoko   0-1 Okwawu United ***
25/09/02 Asante Kotoko   2-0 Tano Bofoakwa
03/09/03 Asante Kotoko   1-0 Tano Bofoakwa
25/09/03 Asante Kotoko   3-0 Heart of Lions
29/09/04 Asante Kotoko   1-0 RTU
11/09/05 Asante Kotoko   3-1 Tano Bofoakwa
28/09/05 Asante Kotoko   2-0 Kade Hotspurs
03/09/06 Asante Kotoko   3-0 Berekum Arsenal
24/09/06 Asante Kotoko   1-0 All Blacks
05/09/10 Asante Kotoko   0-1 Medeama SC ***
19/09/10 Asante Kotoko   1-0 Mighty Jets
15/09/13 Asante Kotoko   2-1 Aduana FC
29/09/13 Asante Kotoko   1-0 New Edubiase United
13/09/15 Asante Kotoko   4-0 Aduana FC
18/09/16 Asante Kotoko   2-1 WAFA
25/09/22 Asante Kotoko   1-1 Hearts of Oak
28/09/22 Asante Kotoko   2-1 Nsoatreman FC
17/09/23 Asante Kotoko   0-0 Heart of Lions
22/09/24 Asante Kotoko   1-1 Young Apostles
W20    D3   L2   GF42   GA9

• Heart of Lions Away matches in the month of SEPTEMBER in the GPL since the 2003 season.
07/09/03 Hearts of Oak             1-0 Heart of Lions
25/09/03 Asante Kotoko            3-0 Heart of Lions 
11/09/05 Ebusua Dwarfs           0-0 Heart of Lions
21/09/05 Tano Bofoakwa          3-1 Heart of Lions
03/09/06 Liberty Professionals 2-1 Heart of Lions
24/09/06 Berekum Arsenal        3-1 Heart of Lions
05/09/10 BA Stars                       1-0 Heart of Lions
19/09/10 Ebusua Dwarfs            1-2 Heart of Lions ***
22/09/13 King Faisal                   0-0 Heart of Lions
17/09/23 Asante Kotoko             0-0 Heart of Lions 
08/09/24 Aduana FC                   1-1 Heart of Lions
22/09/24 Dreams FC                   2-2 Heart of Lions
20/09/25 Eleven Wonders          1-4 Heart of Lions ***
W2  D5  L6  GF12  GA18

• Two clubs' meetings in September in the GPL since the 2003 season:

• Asante Kotoko are unbeaten in their previous GPL games played in September against Heart of Lions since the 2003 season (W1 D1 GF3 GA0):
• 25/09/2003 Asante Kotoko 3-0 Heart of Lions (Day 22) [2003]
• 17/09/2023 Asante Kotoko 0-0 Heart of Lions 

• Two clubs' Ghana Premier League games on September 13:

• Asante Kotoko are unbeaten in the GPL on September 13 since the 1999 season (W1 D1 GF5 GA0).
• 13/09/2015 Asante Kotoko    4-0 Aduana FC (Day 30) [2014-15]
• 13/09/2025 Berekum Chelsea 0-1 Asante Kotoko (Day 1) [2025-26]

• Heart of Lions' Record on September 13:

• Heart of Lions' fixture against Asante Kotoko on September 13, 2026, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium will be their first-ever game played on the match Date in the GPL since the 2003 season.

• The last away team to prevent Asante Kotoko from scoring at home in the Ghana Premier League was Vision FC, who secured a goalless draw on March 1, 2026, in Match Day 24 of the 2025-26 season.

• Asante Kotoko have kept 328 clean sheets out of 725 games in the GPL since the 1999 season.

• Heart of Lions have kept 164 clean sheets out of 423 games in the Ghana Premier League since the 2003 season. 

• Asante Kotoko have won the Ghana league title on 24 occasions since the competition started in 1956.
    
• Heart of Lions' best position in the Ghana Premier League since 2003 is 2nd on three occasions - in the 2007-08 season with 53 points, the 2013-14 season with 47 points, and the 2024-25 season with 60 points.  

• Asante Kotoko's worst performance in the Ghana league since 1956 was 11th place out of a 15-club league in the 1970 season.

• Heart of Lions' worst performance in the Ghana Premier League since 2003 is 14th with 40 points in the 2014-15 season, and they were relegated.                      

• Asante Kotoko are currently 7th with 1 point after Match Day 1 games, while Heart of Lions, on the other hand, are 10th with 1 point on the Ghanaian top-flight log.