Business boom, spiritual battle characterised Kotoko-Hearts game

It was an intriguing day of football with a lot more to serve spectators than just football on the pitch.

The atmosphere was charged as Kotoko returned to the Ghana Premier League action for the first time after their deadly bus accident weeks ago.

Against Hearts of Oak, the stakes were even higher but what was telling was how traders took advantage of the occasion to do business.

Business boomed as traders who sold paraphernalia recorded huge sales from fans who traveled to support their clubs. Jerseys, flags, and wrist bands were all in high demand.

Food vendors were present to sell at the stadium including an Accra-based chef who is popular at the Accra Sports Satdium, Nii Okradi Tagoe.

“I am always for big match no matter where it’s being played. Once it is on the soil of Ghana, I have no reason not to be here.”

Sualma Abukari, a meat seller, also said: “Whenever Kotoko and Hearts are playing, we earn a lot. We can even earn three times more than the normal match that we play here. Kotoko and Hearts’ match is a very nice game for the sellers here”.

While business was booming at the stadium, there was the infamous spiritual battle between the two clubs.

Hearts of Oak’s bus wanted to enter the stadium through the exit point instead of the main entrance.

This caused an upheaval at the gate. Indeed, when it’s a Kotoko-Hearts game, expect much more than just football.