Kotoko after sacking 21 players assembles new signings mixed with youth team players to beat Hearts to win Democracy Cup
In the inaugural Democracy Cup final at the Accra Sports Stadium, Kumasi Asante Kotoko defeated Accra Hearts of Oak, their bitter rivals, 2-1. Their third straight victory versus the Phobians solidifies their domination over them. Before the game, Kotoko had apparently terminated contracts of approximately 21 players from the club.
The Kumasi-based club had to blend some of their youth team players with the new signings to make up the matchday squad for the game.
Both teams had multiple debutants in the match, so there were a lot of fresh faces to see. Under the direction of assistant coach David Ocloo, Kotoko started four of their six new recruits, including attacker Elvis Kyei Baffour and defender Esmar Abdulhamid from Sudan. Additionally, Hearts gave debuts to Michael Awuah Mensah, a defender, and Asamoah Boateng Afriyie, a forward, who were acquired from National FC.
In spite of the newcomers, veteran Kotoko player Justice Blay broke the tie in the thirty-second minute. The midfield player was hauled down within the box, and he coolly converted from the penalty spot.
The Porcupine Warriors celebrated winning the Democracy Cup and earning a prize package that included a matchup with Major League Soccer team DC United in Washington the following season. The final whistle signaled the end of the match.
As an appropriate homage to Ghana’s 30th anniversary of Parliament, this match promoted diversity and inclusion in Ghanaian sports and was officiated by an all-female squad under the direction of FIFA referee Juliet Appiah.
