Asante Kotoko have won the 2026 Democracy Cup after defeating arch-rivals Hearts of Oak 4-1 on penalties following a goalless draw at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on Friday.
The third edition of the Democracy Cup brought Ghana’s two most successful and traditional rivals together as part of Parliament’s commemoration of 32 years of parliamentary democracy in Ghana.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) approved the encounter, which was played in Kumasi on August 28.
Neither side could find the breakthrough during regulation time as both teams produced a cautious and competitive display in the highly anticipated fixture.
Kotoko, however, held their nerve in the penalty shootout, with their goalkeeper saving two Hearts of Oak spot-kicks to help the Porcupine Warriors secure a 4-1 victory.
The triumph gives Kotoko their second Democracy Cup title, having won the inaugural edition in 2024 after beating Hearts of Oak 2-1.
The trophy also marks the first piece of silverware in Ghana for Kotoko head coach Eric Tinkler, who guided the Kumasi-based side to victory.
Beyond the domestic bragging rights, the victory also earns Kotoko an international opportunity, with the champions set to travel to the United Kingdom for a friendly match.
The Democracy Cup was introduced to promote unity, democracy and the role of football in Ghanaian society, while bringing the country’s two biggest clubs together in a symbolic fixture.
