Ghanaian football powerhouse Asante Kotoko secured their 10th Ghana FA Cup title in dramatic fashion on Sunday, edging past a spirited Golden Kick side 2-1 at the University of Ghana Stadium in Accra.
A brace from forward Kwame Opoku, including a controversial stoppage-time penalty, proved decisive in a fiercely contested final.
The Porcupine Warriors now move within touching distance of their arch-rivals Hearts of Oak, who hold the record with 11 FA Cup triumphs. Sunday’s victory also guarantees Kotoko a place in the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup.
The match kicked off with electric intensity, with both sides trading four attacks within the opening five minutes. It was a bold statement of intent that set the tone for the remainder of the clash. A heavy collision between Golden Kick’s Albert Amoah and Kotoko’s Paul Yeboah briefly halted proceedings, but both players quickly recovered to resume action.
Golden Kick came close in the 12th minute when Joshua Fuseini’s cutback found Dacosta Owusu in the box, but Kotoko goalkeeper Mohammed Camara reacted swiftly to smother the danger.
Lord Amoah, formerly of Benab FC and Berekum Chelsea, was fouled after a surging run on the right. He delivered a pinpoint free kick to the far post, where Joseph Ablorh headed it back across goal. Kwame Opoku was perfectly positioned to guide it home from close range to give Kotoko the early lead.
Refusing to be overawed, Golden Kick kept pressing and were rewarded in the 32nd minute. Midfielder Bless Ege unleashed a stunning free kick from distance that flew past Camara to level the score in spectacular fashion.
The second half was marked by a tactical chess match as both sides sought to wrest control of the midfield. Kotoko’s Emmanuel Antwi made a noticeable impact after coming on, orchestrating play from deep and nearly assisting Opoku in the 54th minute, though the effort was ruled offside.
Golden Kick nearly took the lead in the final ten minutes when Bless Ege picked out Joshua Fuseini with a clever through ball, but Joseph Ablorh intervened at the crucial moment to keep Kotoko’s hopes alive.
The game’s defining moment arrived in the 90th minute. Kwame Opoku collided with Golden Kick goalkeeper Kelvin Saaba in the box, prompting referee Latif Adaari to point to the spot amid furious protests from the Golden Kick bench and fans. Replays suggested minimal contact, making the penalty call a subject of intense post-match debate.
Unfazed by the controversy, Opoku calmly converted from the spot to seal the victory and complete his brace.
With the 2-1 win, Asante Kotoko not only lifted the FA Cup for the 10th time but also earned the right to represent Ghana in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.
As the dust settles, the Porcupine Warriors will celebrate a historic night, one marked by resilience, controversy, and ultimately, silverware.
