Asante Kotoko have won the 2026 Democracy Cup after beating arch-rivals Hearts of Oak 4-1 on penalties at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
The match finished goalless after 90 minutes, with neither side able to find a breakthrough in a closely contested encounter.
The trophy was therefore decided by a penalty shootout, where Kotoko held their nerve to claim victory.
Goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim was the difference for the Porcupines, saving two penalties to help his side secure the trophy.
Kotoko converted four of their spot-kicks, while Hearts of Oak scored only one as the Porcupines completed a 4-1 shootout victory.
The triumph means Kotoko have won the Democracy Cup for the second time.
It also sees the Porcupines dethrone Hearts of Oak, who lifted the trophy last year.
The victory will provide Kotoko with another memorable moment in the historic rivalry between the two clubs, with Danlad emerging as the hero after his decisive saves in the shootout.
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.
