Sports

President’s Cup: Hearts, Kotoko clash more than three points

Defending Premier League champions Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak will be draped in one of the fiercest battles in recent times, when the two Gullivers of the Ghanaian game clash off in a tie that has more than three points at stake at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.

Though a mammoth betPawa Premier League game that is in its 20th week, the mo­mentous occasion also has the 2023 Presidential Cup at stake; meaning winner of the day would glide away with the ‘Holy Grail’ in front of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo – in whose honour the game is being held.

According to parameters set for the potentially enchanting clash – as announced by the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA), the two giants would split the points in the event of a draw, and then dash for the lotteries of shoot-out with the winner swaggering away with the trophy.

However, straight victory in reg­ulation time would guarantee three points and the coveted President’s Cup for the winner – and a cash prize of GH¢50,000.

The loser would have to settle for GH¢30,000, for their trou­bles.

Explaining the decision of GHALCA to use Sunday’s titanic clash for the President’s Cup, GHALCA President, Mr Kudjoe Fianoo, said his outfit did not want to “alter the smooth run of the ongoing premiership.”

Hearts and Kotoko have not been in fine fettle as they occupy the third and fourth spots respec­tively (28 points apiece).

Their performance, nonetheless, Sunday’s clash is expected to be waged with ruthless intensity as befitting of a Cup finale.

Current holders and five-time winners – Hearts – defeated their arch rivals and eight-time champions – Kotoko 2–1 in the 2022 edition.

The President’s Cup, organised by GHALCA, is an annual one-off game, featur­ing two selected clubs at the end of the season. Kick-off time is 3pm.

BY JOHN VIGAH

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