Accra, June 23, GNA - The two giants of Ghana football, Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko will on Friday, July 1 meet at the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium, Accra for the annual Republic Day Cup. A statement signed by Mr D. A. Kwarpong, Acting Director of the Information Services Department copied to the GNA Sports said the President, John Agyekum Kufuor would present the giant trophy at stake to the deserving winner.

The trophy, which is vied for annually is in its third year and will for the first time have the two soccer giants facing each other to see who wins it. The encounter forms part of activities marking the 45th Republic Day Anniversary and would see the two teams meeting each other for the second time since the start of the League in April.

Kotoko won the first encounter at the Kumasi Sports Stadium during the sixth week GT Premier League encounter running riot in the first half by scoring three unanswered goals before Hearts recovered and brought some respectability to the score line with a consolation goal to end the match 3-1. Both Kotoko and Hearts have won the trophy once in its three years existence with Hearts winning the first time when they beat local rivals, Accra Great Olympics. Kotoko took their turn last year when they beat Dansoman-based Liberty Professionals to win the second edition of the trophy setting the tone for next Friday's match to decide who wins the trophy for the second time.

Hearts who had their pride dented by the 3-1 defeat by Kotoko will be going all out to restore some damaged pride whilst the Porcupine Warriors would also do all in their power to maintain their recent found 'bragging rights' over the Phobians after a string of disappointing losses to their rivals.