Asante Kotoko have claimed the 2026 Democracy Cup after beating arch-rivals Hearts of Oak 4-1 on penalties at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
The highly anticipated clash ended goalless after 90 minutes, with both sides cancelling each other out in a closely contested encounter.
With neither team able to find the breakthrough, the trophy was decided by a penalty shootout.
Kotoko goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim emerged as the hero, saving two penalties to give the Porcupine Warriors the advantage.
CHAMPIONS!!!!!!#DemocracyCup pic.twitter.com/1sScuk597H
— Asante Kotoko SC – 2X CAF CL Winners🥇 (@AsanteKotoko_SC) August 28, 2026
Kotoko converted four of their spot-kicks, while Hearts of Oak managed just one as the Porcupine Warriors secured a 4-1 victory.
The triumph sees Kotoko win the Democracy Cup for the second time, adding another chapter to the long-standing rivalry between the two most successful clubs in Ghanaian football.
It also means Kotoko have dethroned Hearts of Oak, who won the competition last year.
For the Porcupines, the victory provides another memorable moment in the historic rivalry, with Danlad Ibrahim’s penalty-saving heroics proving decisive on the night.
