Asante Kotoko Board Chair visits Togbe Afede XIV ahead of 2026/27 GPL season
Asante Kotoko Executive Board Chair James Osei Brown has held a courtesy meeting with Hearts of Oak Board Chair Togbe Afede XIV as Ghana’s two biggest football clubs seek to strengthen relations ahead of the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season.
Today, our Executive Board Chair, Mr. James Osei Brown, paid a courtesy visit to the Board Chair of our rivals, Hearts of Oak, Togbe Afede XIV.
— Asante Kotoko SC - 2X CAF CL Winners🥇 (@AsanteKotoko_SC) July 24, 2026
The visit marked a formal introduction between the two leaders and featured productive discussions on fostering a strategic… pic.twitter.com/LrhDCJVeoh
The engagement marked a formal introduction between the two club leaders and provided an opportunity for discussions on possible areas of cooperation beyond the fierce rivalry that has historically defined encounters between the two sides.
According to the discussions, both parties expressed interest in developing a strategic off-field partnership focused on promoting mutual growth, improving club structures, strengthening Ghana football, and creating long-term value for both Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak.
🔴🔵🟡 | 🌳
— Phooobia! - #WeNeverSayDie 🏅🏆 (@HeartsOfOakGH) July 24, 2026
Football rivals. Partners in progress. 🤝
HRM Togbe Afede XIV hosted Kotoko Board Chairman Mr James Osei Brown for productive discussions on advancing both clubs and Ghana football.
Thank you for the visit Fabulous!!!! pic.twitter.com/BgJUgv8O4S
While the two clubs remain intense competitors whenever they meet in the famous “Super Clash”, the meeting demonstrated a willingness to collaborate on initiatives that could contribute to the wider development of the country’s football ecosystem.
The move comes as both Kotoko and Hearts of Oak continue efforts to modernise their operations, improve their administrative structures, and build competitive squads ahead of the upcoming league campaign.
The Super Clash remains one of the biggest fixtures in African football, with millions of supporters following every meeting between the two traditional giants.
The first league meeting between the rivals in the 2026/27 season will take place at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, where Asante Kotoko will host Hearts of Oak on Matchday 13 between December 4 and 7, 2026.
The reverse fixture is scheduled for Matchday 30 from April 30 to May 3, 2027, with both matches expected to play a significant role in the title race and the battle for continental qualification.
Both clubs will begin the new campaign with demanding opening fixtures. Asante Kotoko will travel to face newly promoted Debibi United, while Hearts of Oak will start their season at home against Berekum Chelsea.
The 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season is scheduled to kick off from September 4–7, 2026, and will conclude on the weekend of May 28–31, 2027.