Hearts of Oak suffered their first defeat of the 2025/2026 Ghana Premier League season after a narrow 1-0 loss to arch-rivals Asante Kotoko in a pulsating Matchday 9 clash.

Morifing Donzo’s strike from the penalty spot in the first half was enough to give Asante Kotoko all three points.

From the opening whistle by referee Reginald Amoah Collins, the game was an end-to-end affair with both sides pushing for an early breakthrough.

Hearts’ striker Frank Eduku Abora had several half-chances to put his team ahead, but Kotoko’s goalkeeper Mohammed Camara stood firm with crucial saves.

The decisive moment came on the stroke of halftime when referee Amoah awarded Kotoko a penalty after Peter Amidu was brought down in the box.

Striker Morifing Donzo calmly converted from the spot to give the Porcupine Warriors the lead.

Hearts tried to respond after the break but struggled to create clear-cut chances.

A defensive lapse by Kelvin Osei Asibey almost gifted Kotoko a second goal, but the opportunity went begging. Kotoko continued to dominate proceedings, with captain Samba Oneil coming close to doubling the advantage, only to see his header drift wide.

There was massive controversy in the final stages of the match after Mohammed Hussein’s strike for Hearts of Oak was adjudged offside by Referee Collins.

Despite late pressure, Hearts of Oak lacked sharpness in the final third, allowing Kotoko to hold on for a hard-fought victory that ends Hearts’ unbeaten run.

Man of the Match: Samba Oneil