Hearts aim to end Kotoko domination in Democracy Cup clash

The Accra Sports Stadium will host a historic encounter tomorrow night as fierce rivals Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko square off in the inaugural Democracy Cup match at 6 pm.

 This highly anticipated event is part of the celebrations marking the 30th anniversary of Ghana's Parliament.

Both clubs, coming off disappointing seasons, are eager to claim the new Democracy Cup trophy and bring some joy to their fans. 

Kotoko, having defeated Hearts both home and away in the recently concluded Ghana Premier League season, seek to secure a third consecutive victory over their rivals this year. Hearts, however, are determined to halt this losing streak and achieve victory.

At a joint press conference in Accra, Hearts of Oak captain and centre-back Kevin Osei Asibey highlighted the importance of the match, describing it as a must-win for the Phobians. 

"Hearts of Oak is all about the supporters," Asibey said. "Winning this trophy will be a way to appease them after a disappointing season." Asibey, expected to make his return from a season-ending injury, underscored the significance of the victory.

Hearts coach Aboubakar Ouattara echoed this confidence, asserting that Hearts have a stronger history and trophy-winning pedigree in matches against Kotoko. "When it comes to virgin cups (trophies)," Ouattara, a former Kotoko trainee, stated, "Hearts will always win it over Kotoko. There is no doubt that we will beat Kotoko."

With Kotoko coach Prosper Narteh Ogum recovering from recent surgery, the Porcupine Warriors will be led by assistant coach David Ocloo, a former Hearts of Oak coach. 

Despite releasing 17 players after the league season, Ocloo assured that his side is ready to defeat Hearts again with a new crop of stars. "We have beaten them twice and we are ready to give them defeat," Ocloo said. "We are ready to go."

Kotoko skipper and goalkeeper Frederick Asare, addressing the historical edge Hearts hold in cup finals, expressed his team's determination to create new history. 

"What is past is past," Asare said. "Tomorrow, the narrative is going to change. We know we have to appease our fans after a disappointing season, so we are going out for victory tomorrow."

Adding to the excitement, a curtain-raiser match between Members of Parliament and former Black Stars players will take place at 3pm, setting the stage for the main event.

Tickets for the Democracy Cup clash are priced at GH₵20 for the popular stand, GH₵50 for VIP, and GH₵100 for VVIP.