Asante Kotoko interim coach Michael Osei has insisted they are taking the 2016 President's Cup 2016 match against rivals Hearts of Oak very serious.

The two biggest clubs in the country face off at the Accra Sports Stadium in the Republic Day clash on Friday afternoon.

"We are approaching the game with all seriousness because we all know Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko matches aren't for jokes even if it's a friendly", Osei said on Fox FM.

"It's a match which is very important to the respective fans so as a player and as a coach you go all out and make sure you are disciplined tactically to get the best results.

"I think Wednesday's result has lifted our morale which I think we will go into the game with confidence.

"Hearts of Oak are doing very well and with a new coach, every player will double up efforts to a starting place so it's going to be very difficult, but we don't fear."

Hearts beat Asante Kotoko on penalty shootouts to lift the President's Cup last year.