Asante Kotoko staged a remarkable comeback to defeat arch-rivals Hearts of Oak 2-1 and secure their ninth President’s Cup title at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, July 6.

The Porcupine Warriors were made to sweat for the victory, with goalkeeper Mohammed Camara going from villain to hero in a dramatic encounter.

After an earlier mistake gifted Hearts the lead, Camara redeemed himself by saving a late penalty to preserve Kotoko’s advantage.

Hearts of Oak struck first in the 27th minute when Hamza Issah capitalised on a goalkeeping error.

Camara misjudged a cross into the box, fumbling the ball into the path of the Hearts forward, who slotted home into an empty net.

Kotoko responded with intensity but struggled to break down the Phobians’ defence for the remainder of the first half, heading into the break-a-goal down.

However, the tide turned just after the restart.

Peter Amidu Acquah made a surging run down the left flank and sent in a cross that deflected off Hearts defender Konadu Yiadom and into the net, drawing Kotoko level.

The equaliser spurred Kotoko on, and they grabbed the winner before the final whistle.

In a tense finish, Hearts were handed a lifeline with a late penalty, but Camara atoned for his earlier error by producing a crucial save to deny the Phobians.

The win sees Kotoko lift the President’s Cup for a record-extending ninth time, cementing their dominance in the historic rivalry.