Kumasi Asante Kotoko have beaten arch-rivals Accra Hearts of Oak to win the 2026 Democracy Cup, securing their second title in the history of the competition.
The Porcupine Warriors defeated Hearts of Oak in a dramatic penalty shootout at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Friday, August 28, after the game ended goalless in regulation time.
The victory means Kotoko have once again got the better of their biggest rivals in the Democracy Cup, having also defeated Hearts of Oak in the maiden edition of the competition in 2024.
With the new Premier League season approaching, both sides came into the game having made significant preparations for the campaign. The two clubs have appointed foreign coaches, strengthened their squads with new players and welcomed back some former players. Both teams have also been involved in a series of friendly matches as they prepare for the new season.
Hearts of Oak had Black Stars goalkeeper Benjamin Asare between the posts. Asare was instrumental for the Phobians during the 2025/2026 season and also played a crucial role for Ghana during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Kotoko, meanwhile, welcomed back their famous goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim, who has represented Ghana on several occasions, particularly at the youth level, and has also received call-ups to the senior national team.
The match lived up to the rivalry between the two clubs, with both sides displaying quality football and impressive skill throughout the game. Neither team, however, could find the breakthrough as both goalkeepers produced incredible saves to keep the score level.
With the game ending 0-0, the winner had to be decided through a penalty shootout.
Kotoko held their nerve to win 4-1 on penalties, with Danlad Ibrahim proving to be the hero for the Porcupine Warriors. His performance in the shootout helped Kotoko secure another bragging right over their rivals and lift the Democracy Cup for the second time.
The Democracy Cup was introduced in 2024 as part of Ghana’s celebrations of its democratic journey. The maiden edition featured the country’s two biggest traditional football rivals, Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak, with Kotoko emerging as the first champions after defeating Hearts.
Hearts of Oak went on to win the second edition in 2025, before Kotoko reclaimed the trophy in 2026.
The latest victory gives Asante Kotoko two Democracy Cup titles, compared to Hearts of Oak’s one.
With the league season just around the corner, Kotoko now head into the campaign with a trophy already secured and another victory over their biggest rivals to boost their confidence.
By: Victoria Kwofie
