HEARTS OF OAK CLINCH DEMOCRACY CUP TITLE WITH 1-0 WIN OVER GREAT OLYMPICS

By: Isaac Amponsah (Dr Ike) and Aaron Kintoh

Accra Hearts of Oak have been crowned champions of the 2025 Democracy Cup after beating Accra Great Olympics 1:0 on Friday, September 5, 2025.

At the end of the first half, both teams could not break the deadlock, despite goal-scoring chances falling to their players at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium.

Early in the game, Hearts of Oak dominated and searched for the opener, with Martin Karikari whipping a shot that went over the Great Olympics goalpost.

Great Olympics managed to contain their opponents' pressure in the first fifteen minutes and also threatened Hearts of Oak with a free kick deep in Phobian's half, which resulted in a corner.

Hearts of Oak Coach Didi Dramani made a double substitution, with George Paaku and Kwesi Asmah replacing Mohammed Hussein and Oppong Afranie on the 56th minute as they pushed for the opener.

The Phobians restarted the game with desire and hunger to put their opponents to the sword, and it paid off in the 70th minute with the match opener scored by Kofi Asmah.

Great Olympics came strong to equalize, but goalie Shuaib’s beautiful tip sent the ball over the crossbar in the late minutes of the match.

Hearts of Oak ended Olympics' eight-game unbeaten record in their recent meetings.

Coach Didi Dramani continues his winning streak, with his team scoring in each game played after his appointment (9 goals in 6 games).

Hearts of Oak has managed to win two trophies during the offseason, namely the 2025 Homowo Cup and 2025 Democracy Cup.

Both teams really gave each other a difficult opposition and will use it as a perfect challenge to prepare for the upcoming season.