Hearts of Oak edge Olympics to lift 2025 Democracy Cup

Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club clinched the 2025 Democracy Cup with a narrow 1-0 victory over city rivals Accra Great Olympics at the University of Ghana Stadium.

Kwesi Asmah’s 70th-minute strike proved decisive in a tense encounter, handing the Phobians their second pre-season trophy ahead of the 2025/2026 Ghana Premier League season. Asmah’s performance earned him the Man of the Match award, but head coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani remained measured in his assessment of the win.

“It’s still early days yet… we are ready to play [the new league campaign] but there is still a lot of work to improve on,” he said after the match.

The Hearts coach described his squad as a developing side. “We are a developmental team, it’s [the team] a work in progress so there’s still some areas to still work on and then we become more formidable,” he added.

The fixture, attended by President John Dramani Mahama, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin and the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Tsuru II, drew a lively crowd and offered a glimpse into the readiness of both clubs for the season ahead.

Despite the loss, Accra Great Olympics Board Member Kudjoe Fianoo expressed satisfaction with his team’s display in what was their first pre-season outing. “It was a good game for us, a good test for us. This is our first outing coming straight [out] from the offseason and playing this top notch game. I think that we’ve given a very good account of ourselves,” he told Citi Sports.

Fianoo noted that Hearts had been more active in their preparations, having featured in the President’s Cup, Gbese Mantse Cup and the GHALCA Top 4. “They [Hearts of Oak] have been tried and tested, they’ve been very busy this offseason. This is our first outing and I’m so happy with what I’ve seen,” he said.

Hearts of Oak will open their Ghana Premier League campaign against newly promoted Hohoe United on Friday, September 12, while Olympics prepare for the 2025/2026 Access Bank Division One League season.