HEARTS OF OAK SNAP ASANTE KOTOKO’S UNBEATEN RUN IN THRILLING ENCOUNTER

By: Isaac Amponsah (Dr Ike) and Aaron Kintoh

Accra Hearts of Oak secured a 2-0 sweet victory over their arch-rivals, Kumasi Asante Kotoko, in the GHALCA Top Four Tournament held at the University of Ghana Stadium on Sunday August 24, 2025 evening.

A goal from each half, scored by Frank Duku and Emmanuel Amankwah, in the match day three fixture, ended the 'Porcupines Warriors' bragging rights in their recent meetings after six games unbeaten in all competitions.

Recent Meetings:

- 10/12/23: Hearts of Oak 2-3 Asante Kotoko (Day 14) [2023-24]

- 26/05/24: Asante Kotoko 2-0 Hearts of Oak (Day 31) [2023-24]

- 17/07/24: Hearts of Oak 1-2 Asante Kotoko (2024 Democracy Cup)

- 15/12/24: Asante Kotoko 1-0 Hearts of Oak (Day 13) [2024-25]

- 04/05/25: Hearts of Oak 0-0 Asante Kotoko (Day 30) [2024-25]

- 06/07/25: Hearts of Oak 1-2 Asante Kotoko (2025 President's Cup)

Unbeaten Run Record: Asante Kotoko failed to equal their record of a 7-game unbeaten run against Hearts of Oak in all competitions, which occurred between 1980 and 1982.

Before their GHALCA Top 4 fixture against Hearts of Oak, which Hearts won 2-0, Kotoko were unbeaten in their last six games against the Phobians.

Historical Note: Asante Kotoko's longest unbeaten record against Hearts of Oak is 8 games, spanning from 1985 to 1988.

Details of the Unbeaten Run:

- 1985-86 League: Back-to-back wins

- 1986 Sports Council Cup: Asante Kotoko 2-1 Hearts of Oak (Kumasi), Hearts of Oak 1-1 Asante Kotoko (Accra)

- 1987 League: Back-to-back wins

- 1987 Round Robin (Top 6): Asante Kotoko 2-0 Hearts of Oak

- 1988-89 League (1st Round): 2-2

Record Breakdown: W6 D2

Asante Kotoko failed to record a single win in their three games played in the 2025 GHALCA Top 4 tournament (1-2 vs Bibiani Gold Stars, 0-1 vs Heart of Lions, 0-2 vs Hearts of Oak).

Great Olympics ,Sekondi Eleven Wise and Asante Kotoko are the only three teams that have failed to pick a single point in the GHALCA Top 4 tournament since its inception in 2002.

- Great Olympics (2003 GHALCA Top 4)

-Sekondi  Eleven Wise ( 2024 GHALCA Top 4)

- Asante Kotoko (2025 GHALCA Top 4)

Here are the final standings of the 2025 GHALCA Top Four Tournament.