Benjamin Asare has urged Hearts of Oak supporters to travel in their numbers for Friday’s Democracy Cup showdown, insisting the squad is fully prepared to defend their crown against arch-rivals Asante Kotoko at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
In a video address published on the club’s official X page, Asare first took time to acknowledge his recent international exploits. Expressing profound gratitude to fans both in Ghana and abroad for their unwavering support during his World Cup campaign, he confirmed a seamless reintegration into the club's domestic setup.
Turning his attention to the immediate task at hand, Asare dismissed any suggestions of a disadvantage ahead of the 4:00 PM kick-off in the Ashanti Region. Despite playing in the backyard of their fiercest rivals, the standout star highlighted the team's recent pedigree at the venue.
"Kumasi too is our home, because we win games over there," Asare stated. "We picked a win in last season's Premier League match."
The fixture carries added weight for the Accra giants following their recent withdrawal from the off-season GHALCA Top Four tournament. Club management opted out of that competition due to clashes with their established pre-season schedule,
describing the withdrawal as the "appropriate course of action at this time." Consequently, Friday's Super Clash against Kotoko has become the focal point of their summer preparations.
While retaining the Democracy Cup and securing bragging rights over Kotoko remains the immediate objective, Asare emphasized that the encounter will serve as a crucial barometer for the squad.
With the new Ghana Premier League season commencing in less than a fortnight, he called on the Phobian faithful; both Accra-based and nationwide; to unite in Kumasi, using the high-stakes fixture as the ultimate launchpad for the gruelling domestic marathon ahead.
Asante Kotoko
Hearts of Oak
🔴🔵🟡 | 🌳
— Phooobia! - #WeNeverSayDie 🏅🏆 (@HeartsOfOakGH) August 27, 2026
DEMOCRACY CUP — TOMORROW!
Captain Benjamin Asare has a message for the Phobia faithful:
“We’re ready. We're coming to defend the cup we won in the last edition.”
Let’s make it count!#Phobia4Life #DemocracyCup pic.twitter.com/k9EUsQ4cFI