Our target is to end Hearts of Oak's unbeaten run - Kotoko coach Karim Zito

Asante Kotoko head coach Abdul Karim Zito has thrown down the gauntlet ahead of Sunday’s Super Clash, boldly declaring his side will defeat arch-rivals Hearts of Oak.

The Porcupine Warriors travel to the Accra Sports Stadium for the Matchday 9 encounter, which promises to be one of the most fiercely contested fixtures of the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League campaign.

Both teams are unbeaten so far this season, heightening anticipation for the showdown.

Speaking in the build-up to the game, Zito spoke warmly about his relationship with Hearts coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani, noting their shared history and mutual respect.

“I’ve worked with him before when he was at Kotoko. I was with the U20s and he was with the senior side,” Zito said.

"The telepathy between us worked well; we won the Premier Division twice and the U20 twice. That tells you how in sync we were.

Despite their friendship, Zito admitted Sunday’s clash carries an added layer of motivation.

“Beyond Hearts and Kotoko, we’re brothers. We talk a lot and he’s doing very well with Hearts of Oak,” Zito added.

Zito suggested Kotoko are now better prepared for the challenge.

“We’ve played twice, I won the President’s Cup and he won the GHALCA Top 4, so this third one is to prove a point. I said earlier that the timing of that GHALCA Top 4 wasn’t good for Kotoko, and now I feel vindicated.

“Automatically, we are going there with the mindset of beating him at the end of the day,” he declared.

Kick-off for the much-anticipated Super Clash is scheduled for 16:00 GMT at the Accra Sports Stadium.