Asante Kotoko Arrive in Durban Ahead of Toyota Cup Showdown

Ahead of their much awaited matchup with Kaizer Chiefs in the 2025 Toyota Cup, Ghanaian powerhouses Asante Kotoko SC have safely landed in Durban, South Africa.

In a match that promises top-notch entertainment, the Porcupine Warriors, two-time CAF Champions League winners, are set to reignite one of African football’s most cherished rivalries.

On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, the team took off from Kotoka International Airport in Accra and landed on Wednesday at King Shaka International Airport in Durban.

Officials from Kaizer Chiefs welcomed the team with open arms upon their arrival, demonstrating the respect that the two African football powerhouses have for one another.

Since then, Kotoko’s contingent has arrived to the Protea Hotel Fire and Ice, where they will recuperate from the journey.

As the technical team refines preparations for the major showdown, full training is set to resume on Thursday.

The renowned Moses Mabhida Stadium, which has hosted important continental and international matches, will host the eagerly anticipated Toyota Cup encounter on Saturday.

Asante Kotoko issued a somber statement on the 24th anniversary of the May 9 tragedy, demanding a stop to violence at stadiums.

A game between the Porcupine Warriors and Hearts of Oak at the Accra Sports Stadium twenty-four years ago claimed the life of 126 persons.

It was Africa’s and the nation’s largest football disaster, leaving a sour legacy in the sport’s history.

In remembrance of the day, Kotoko posted: “24 years ago today, a thick dark cloud engulfed our country, not from flames but from the tragedy of losing 126 innocent lives to a stadium disaster. As we observe this day in grief, we will continue to mourn our fallen sons and daughters and forever stand against any form of violence at our match venues.”

The Reds, who have established their stance against hooliganism, lost a fan early this year following their game against Nsoatreman FC.

Hearts of Oak also took to social media to post: “Rivals on the pitch, united in grief. Today, we pause to honour those we lost on that tragic day. Gone but never forgotten. 24 years on, their memory lives in every kick, every chant, every moment of silence. Drop a heart if you remember. “

Asante Kotoko issues a warning to the media about purported assaults on coaches and players.

In response to what it claims are intentional attacks on players and coaches masquerading as analysis, Asante Kotoko has strongly warned some segments of the media and supporters.

The club charged that certain media outlets and journalists were promoting a plan to undermine the team in a statement issued on Wednesday, April 16, and signed by Communications Director Samuel Sarfo Duku.

The statement said, “These deliberate attacks on our coaches and players, disguised as analysis, are nothing less than an agenda to sow disunity and sabotage the hard work being done at all levels of the club.”

The Porcupine Warriors, who are currently tied at the top of the Ghana Premier League table with Bibiani Gold Stars on 47 points, are preparing for a midweek clash against Accra Lions at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Kotoko issued a warning, stating that it will not think twice about pursuing legal action against people or organizations that commit defamation or unethical behavior.

Additionally, the team warned some of its own fans not to act in a way that would lower team spirit.

It assured supporters of the team’s dedication and resolve to achieve the double and declared, “Asante Kotoko will not tolerate attempts—subtle or overt— to destabilize this club.”

Following this month’s (November) international break, Asante Kotoko will resume their Ghana Premier League home games at Baba Yara Stadium.

On December 12, 2024, in a week 13 match, Asante Kotoko will return to their home field in time for the much-anticipated “Super Clash” versus longtime rivals Hearts of Oak.

According to information obtained by Osikanitv.com, the stadium will reopen following its September closure for renovation by the National Sports Authority.

A lot of people were upset with the pitch’s state during Ghana’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match versus Angola.

Kotoko has played four home games at the Len Clay Stadium in Obuasi while they are away from Baba Yara Stadium. They have won three of those games (against Nsoatreman, Accra Lions, and Samartex) and lost one (against Heart of Lions).

Next week, they will play Nations FC in their final match in Obuasi.

On October 12, 2024, in the United States, Asante Kotoko and DC United, a Major League Soccer team, will play in the Capital City Africa Cup.

After overcoming bitter rivals Hearts of Oak to win the inaugural Democracy Cup, the dominant team in the Ghana Premier League gained the right to play the American Soccer Club.

The Porcupine Warriors’ participation in the game, which will be a part of the celebrations commemorating Ghana Week 2024 in Washington, DC, has been accepted by the Ghana Football Association and the Ghana Tourism Authority.

With Medeama being the first, this will be the second year in a row that a Ghanaian club has played in the friendly Cup match in the United States.

The Kumasi-based club are currently preparing for the upcoming season at their Adako Jachie Sports Complex as they eye the Premier League title in the upcoming campaign.

Asante Kotoko are the most successful club in Ghana, with a rich history of winning trophies, including being two-time champions of Africa.

15 players will be leaving Asante Kotoko as they get ready for the 2024–2025 campaign.

To finalize the decisions, a meeting is currently being held at the club secretariat.

In an attempt to improve next season, the team, who placed sixth in the disappointing Ghana Premier League 2023–24, is implementing major changes.

Richmond Lamptey, a former Black Stars invitee who demonstrated his potential at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, is one of the noteworthy departures.

Renowned striker Steven Desse Mukwala, a forward from Uganda, is also scheduled to depart in search of new prospects.

The entire roster of players who will be leaving includes:

Oliver Ziggy Isaac Oppong Poutey, Samuel Asamoah Ofori Danlad Moise Yayaha Dawuni Ibrahim Augustine Agyapong Mohammed Nicholas Mensah Sheriff (Defender) Kalou Ouattara John Tedeku Ishaaku Mukwala Fuseini Desse Richmond Lighting Amoah Nanabenyin

Kotoko experienced a challenging season, losing six consecutive matches, matching their worst record in 14 years. These changes reflect the club’s determination to revamp their squad and improve their performance in the upcoming season.

Asante Kotoko won the Ghana Premier League double over rivals Hearts of Oak for the first time since 1987, winning 2-0 at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday thanks to a brilliant brace from Steven Desse Mukwala.

The Ugandan scored a goal in each half to assist the Porcupine Warriors earn the most points and bragging rights.

Mukwala put Kotoko ahead in the ninth minute with a lovely strike past goalkeeper Kwesi Nketiah, before adding a second three minutes into injury time.

Kotoko defeated their opponents 3-2 in the two teams’ inaugural Premier League match in December 2023.

As a result, coach Dr. Prosper Nartey Ogum’s perfect record against Hearts of Oak remains intact, as his team moves up to ninth place in the rankings.

Hearts of Oak are now only two points above the drop zone, sitting 14th on the table with 38 points in what has been an extremely challenging season for the Phobians.

Kotoko claim bragging rights, with celebrations anticipated to last all night in the noisy city of Kumasi, while Hearts return to the capital empty-handed.

With only three matches remaining in the 2023-24 Ghana Premier League season, the Phobians face a serious threat.