Asante Kotoko head coach Eric Tinkler says he is determined to mark his first experience of Ghana’s biggest football rivalry with victory when the Porcupine Warriors face Hearts of Oak in the 2026 Democracy Cup.

The annual fixture, which commemorates Ghana’s Parliament and the country’s Fourth Republic, carries extra incentive this year, with the winners earning the opportunity to take on English Premier League side Sunderland in the United Kingdom.

Tinkler, appointed ahead of the 2026/27 season, believes his experience of managing major derbies in South Africa will help him navigate the occasion when Kotoko and Hearts meet on 28 August.

“We are obviously looking to prepare over the next two weeks to ensure that we get to the game on the 28th in the Democracy Cup against Hearts of Oak and put on a good performance, especially at home in front of our own fans,” he said.

The 56-year-old expects a vibrant atmosphere and a large crowd for one of the most eagerly anticipated matches on the Ghanaian football calendar.

“I have been involved in a number of derbies back in South Africa, so I am looking forward to it because I believe it’s a big rivalry here in Ghana, and we expect a big crowd,” Tinkler said.

“Obviously, I want to please the Asante Kotoko fans with a win.”

The fixture has been scheduled for September 28 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium with kick-off scheduled at 16:00 GMT.

The Democracy Cup will provide the South African with an early chance to make his mark before the start of the new Ghana Premier League season.

Kotoko will open their 2026/27 league campaign away to newly promoted Debibi United as Tinkler begins his first full season in charge of the Kumasi-based club.