Hearts, Kotoko to clash for 2019 President’s Cup

Talks are at an advanced stage for Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak to renew their rivalry in the return of the annual President’s Cup.

Last year, the match played in honour of the sitting president of Ghana did not hold. But organizers, the Ghana League Club Association (GHALCA), have made arrangements to have it come off this time on Sunday, September 1, 2019.

Footy-Ghana.com understands that organizers have been in touch with both clubs and offered an amount of GH¢100,000 as appearance fee.

The winner of the one-off game is to pocket GH¢30,000 while the loser will receive GH¢20,000.

It is further understood that the Baba Yara Sports Stadium has been earmarked to host the 2019 President’s Cup. However, Hearts sources indicate the club’s management is angling for the match to be honoured in Accra instead.

The Phobians may not have their way, as Footy-Ghana.com is further informed that AshantiGold have been placed on standby should any of the parties pull out or refuse to accept the arrangements put in place by organizers.

The last President’s Cup match was played in 2017 and between these two sworn rivals. It was Kotoko who emerged victors via a 4-1 penalty shootout win in Kumasi. That edition had to be played twice after the Sunday, July 2 fixture got rained off with the core levelled at 1-1 after 67 minutes. The replay held the following day ended barren in regulation time before the Porcupine Warriors won on penalties.