The Accra Sports Stadium was painted red and yellow on Sunday evening as Asante Kotoko snatched a narrow 1–0 win over arch-rivals Hearts of Oak in the first Super Clash of the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season.

Bismark Adjei of Vell Marty Pictures was at the stadium and captured the passion, drama, and emotion that defined Ghana’s biggest football rivalry.

Both sides lined up under the bright Accra floodlights, with the atmosphere electric. The fans, draped in their clubs’ colours, filled the stands with chants, flags, and songs that echoed through the capital.

The Porcupine Warriors started with intent. Saaka Dauda’s curling effort forced an early save, while Hubert Gyau kept Hearts’ backline alert with his pace and movement.

The Phobians slowly settled, pushing forward through Salifu Ibrahim and Linda Mtange. But despite their build-up play, the finishing touch deserted them.

Midway through the second half, Hearts’ defender Amankwah Baafi brought down Peter Amidu Acquah inside the penalty box. Referee Collins Amoah pointed to the spot — a moment that silenced the home fans.

Morifing Donzo stepped up calmly and buried the penalty, sending the Kotoko supporters into wild celebration. His teammates mobbed him as red flares lit up the terraces.

Hearts pushed for an equaliser, but Kotoko’s defence, marshalled by Henry Ansu and Andrews Ntim, stood firm. The final whistle brought jubilation for the Porcupine Warriors and heartbreak for the Phobians.

Kotoko had six shots, three on target, against Hearts’ five attempts and a single effort on goal — enough to seal their fourth win in the last five league meetings between the two sides.

The victory lifts Kotoko to seventh on the league table with 13 points and three games in hand. Hearts, suffering their first defeat of the season, drop to fifth and will aim to recover against Swedru All Blacks next weekend.