Accra Hearts of Oak will have their eyes firmly set on history when they lock horns with their fiercest rival, Asante Kotoko, on Monday for the President’s Cup at the Accra Sports Stadium, a mouth-watering Republic Day clash that promises fireworks, pride and bragging rights.

For the Phobians, this is more than just another edition of the annual curtain-raiser. It is an opportunity to rewrite the narrative after a trophyless 2024/25 season, kickstart a new era under Mas-Ud Didi Dramani, and secure a third straight President’s Cup title — a feat that would underline their resurgence and narrow the trophy gap on their arch-rivals.

Dramani, a respected tactician with stints at both Kotoko and the national women’s team, has been brought in to rebuild the Phobians following a disappointing 2024/25 campaign devoid of silverware. A win on Monday would be a powerful statement of revival.

However, Kotoko – the most successful club in the history of the competition with eight titles – are in no mood to play supporting cast.

The Porcupine Warriors may have missed out on the Ghana Premier League title, but their MTN FA Cup triumph has reignited belief and, therefore, they have the perfect chance to avenge recent losses and reclaim dominance in this historic rivalry. 

Coach Abdul Karim Zito  leads Asante Kotoko in search of revenge in the President’s Cup

Monday’s encounter will be the 10th President’s Cup meeting between the two powerhouses, and history heavily favours Kotoko.

The Oseikrom lads have won seven of those matches, with Hearts managing just three victories.

Kotoko also hold the unique distinction of winning the title three times in a row, an achievement they have remarkably accomplished on two separate occasions: first from 2004 to 2008, and again between 2016 and 2019.

Yet, the Phobians will take solace in recent form, having won the last two editions, including a nervy penalty shootout victory in 2023. The chance to make it three on the bounce adds extra spice to an already explosive fixture.

Clash of tactical brains

The managerial duel promises to be fascinating. Coach Dramani has already started shaking things up at Hearts, reportedly releasing up to 11 players to clear space for fresh blood.

His backroom team — including ex-Kotoko caretaker coach Abdulai Gazale, ex-Kotoko goalkeepers’ coach Najahu Issah, and video analyst Peter Adu Boafo —bring structure, a modern touch, and an intriguing twist to the plot.

Kotoko, meanwhile, are undergoing a similar retooling for their domestic campaign and the CAF Confederation Cup campaign.

Head coach Abdul Karim Zito has released seven players, including veteran skipper Justice Blay, and is banking on fresh legs to lead the club into their CAF Confederation Cup campaign.

Among their new signings are goalkeeper Aziz Haruna Dari, defenders Zackaria Fuseini and Johnson Oppong Owusu, and midfielders Francis Acquah and Hubert Gyau, all of whom could get a chance to prove their worth in Monday’ fixture.

Zito’s preparations have been dealt a significant blow, however, with news that key midfielder Andrew Ntim Manu has been ruled out after suffering a devastating anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during their FA Cup final win over Golden Kick.

The influential midfielder is set for surgery and a lengthy nine-month layoff – a major loss in the engine room.

If there was any doubt about Kotoko’s desire to win, it has been put to bed by the flurry of promises from political heavyweights in Kumasi.

The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, has pledged $1,000 per player for a win and an additional $200 per goal against Hearts.

During a visit to the club’s training ground last Monday in the company of Kotoko’s legend and management member, James Kwasi Appiah, the Mayor of Kumasi , Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi ( King Zuba), offered a further GH¢10,000 to the team ahead of the clash – gestures that emphasise the deep cultural and political pride tied to this rivalry.