Match: Asante Kotoko v Heart of Lions Venue: Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Kumasi Time: 3 pm Asante Kotoko will host the unbeaten Heart of
Match: Asante Kotoko v Heart of Lions
Venue: Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Kumasi
Time: 3 pm
Asante Kotoko will host the unbeaten Heart of Lions in a high-stakes Ghana Premier League Week 4 clash at Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on Sunday, with both sides riding strong momentum and eyeing early-season dominance.
Asante Kotoko return to domestic action this weekend with renewed confidence after securing back-to-back victories over Kwara United of Nigeria in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Their continental success has injected fresh energy into the squad, and head coach Abdul Karim Zito is determined to translate that form into the Ghana Premier League.
Kotoko began their league campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Berekum Chelsea in Berekum and now aim to build on that with a statement victory against the league leaders from Kpando.
Heart of Lions arrive in Kumasi as the unsurprise pacesetters of the 2025/26 season, having won all three of their opening matches.
Their latest triumph, a narrow 1-0 win over Bechem United, extended their unbeaten run to five league games stretching back to last season.
Under the guidance of former Kotoko coach Bashir Hayford and assistant Daniel Nii Adjei, Lions have combined defensive solidity with clinical finishing, keeping three clean sheets and conceding just twice in five matches spanning from last season.
The tactical battle promises to be fascinating. Kotoko’s home form has been formidable, winning 10 of their last 11 matches at Baba Yara Stadium and keeping seven clean sheets in that stretch.
However, recent history against Heart of Lions has been less favourable. Kotoko have failed to score in their last two home meetings with the Kpando-based side, drawing 0-0 in 2023/24 and losing 0-1 last season. Their last win over the Lions dates back to 2015.
Lions’ attacking threat will be led by the experienced Obeng Junior and Ebenezer Abban, both in fine form and capable of troubling Kotoko’s backline.
Obeng Junior has expressed confidence ahead of the clash, stating, “We’ve cleared three hurdles, and Kotoko is the fourth”. Their bench strength and leadership from Hayford and Adjei—both with deep Kotoko ties—add emotional weight and strategic insight to the fixture.
Kotoko’s coach, Karim Zito, is aware of the challenge but remains optimistic. “We are coming to meet a club with the key factor of consistency,” he said.
He continued, “But we’ve set our target to win the league, and at all costs we should do our best to win this game”.
His tactical adjustments and motivational edge will be crucial in breaking Lions’ rhythm and reclaiming dominance in this fixture.
With both teams in top form and carrying distinct narratives—Kotoko’s continental resurgence versus Lions’ domestic perfection—the match is poised to be one of the highlights of Matchday 4.
A win for Kotoko would signal their intent to challenge for the title, while a Lions victory would cement their status as early-season favourites. Fans can expect a fiercely competitive and emotionally charged encounter.
Ultimately, this clash is more than just three points—it’s a battle of pride, history, and ambition.
Whether Kotoko can end their winless streak against Lions or whether the visitors continue their dream start, Sunday’s showdown at Baba Yara Stadium will be a defining moment in the early stages of the Ghana Premier League season.
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