Accra Hearts of Oak have unveiled a creative 20-man squad for Friday’s highly anticipated Democracy Cup clash against arch-rivals Asante Kotoko at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
The third edition of the Democracy Cup is scheduled for Friday, August 28, 2026, at 4:00 p.m., with the historic fixture set to add another chapter to Ghana football’s famous Super Clash rivalry.
The match is being held to commemorate 32 years of parliamentary democracy in Ghana, bringing together the country’s two most decorated and widely supported clubs.
Hearts of Oak head coach Nebojsa Kapor has made a few notable selections for the encounter, with only three new players included in the travelling squad.
Alex Banso, John Antwi and Abdul Kader Kourouma Mamudou have all earned places in the squad as the Phobians prepare for the crucial encounter.
Another interesting tactical change sees Yaw Amankwah Baafi moved into the attack, giving Kapor an additional attacking option ahead of the Super Clash.
Experienced goalkeeper Benjamin Asare leads the goalkeeping options alongside Sheriff Shuab.
The defensive unit consists of Emmanuel Amankwah, Ransford Mensah, Kelvin Osei Asibey, Baba Adamu, Ali Mohamed, Gordon Cudjoe and Felix Otubua.
Raphael Amponsah, Abdul Karim, George Paaku, Kwesi Asmah and Hussein Mohammed make up the midfield options.
Up front, Hearts will have Martin Karikari, Henry Kwaku Boateng, Yaw Amankwah Baafi, Alex Banso, John Antwi and Abdul Kader Kourouma Mamudou available.
Hearts of Oak 20-man squad
Goalkeepers
- Benjamin Asare
- Sheriff Shuab
Defenders
- Emmanuel Amankwah
- Ransford Mensah
- Kelvin Osei Asibey
- Baba Adamu
- Ali Mohamed
- Gordon Cudjoe
- Felix Otubua
Midfielders
- Raphael Amponsah
- Abdul Karim
- George Paaku
- Kwesi Asmah
- Hussein Mohammed
Forwards
- Martin Karikari
- Henry Kwaku Boateng
- Yaw Amankwah Baafi
- Alex Banso
- John Antwi
- Abdul Kader Kourouma Mamudou
Democracy Cup officials
Referee: Charles Bulu
Assistant I: Seth Abletor
Assistant II: Richard Nartey
Fourth Referee: Julian Nunoo
Match Commissioner: James Odoom
The Democracy Cup clash promises another fiercely contested encounter between Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko, with both sides expected to use the occasion to make a statement ahead of the new football season.
Venue: Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Kumasi
Date: Friday, August 28, 2026
Kick-off: 4:00 p.m.
Fixture: Hearts of Oak vs Asante Kotoko
Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of The Accra Daily Mail, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
