Ghana Premier League club Accra Hearts of Oak say they are downhearted to learn of the news of the motor accident involving players and officials of Kumasi Asante Kotoko.

Kotoko’s arch rivals are leading the call for prayer for the injured and the entire team of Kotoko on Twitter with the hashtag PrayForKOTOKO.

Kotoko and Hearts were expected to meet on Sunday, 16 July, 2017, but that game is in limbo following the tragedy that has befallen the Kumasi-based club.

The assistant equipment officer of the club, Kofi Asare, has been confirmed dead.

The accident occurred around 9:45pm at Nkawkaw, when the bus ran into a stationary vehicle.

The team were returning to Kumasi on Wednesday, 12 July, 2017 after their 0-1 defeat to Inter Allies in a Premier League game.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has described the accident as “devastating and sad”.

President Nana Akufo-Addo, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, former President John Mahama, singer Stephanie Benson, actor John Dumelo, seasoned sports journalists, and a host of Ghanaians have taken to social media to commiserate with the Porcupine Warriors.