At the University of Ghana Stadium in Accra, Ghanaian football superpower Asante Kotoko defeated a determined Golden Kick team 2-1 on Sunday to win their 10th Ghana FA Cup trophy spectacularly.
Kwame Opoku's brace, which included a contentious stoppage-time penalty, was the deciding factor in a hotly contested final.
With 11 FA Cup victories, the record-holding Hearts of Oak are now within touching distance of the Porcupine Warriors. Additionally, Kotoko's success on Sunday ensures their spot in the 2025–2026 CAF Confederation Cup.
Both teams exchanged four attacks in the first five minutes of the contest, which got off to an electrifying start. It was an audacious declaration of intent that shaped the rest of the conflict. Albert Amoah of Golden Kick and Paul Yeboah of Kotoko collided heavily, briefly stopping play, but both players recovered fast to continue.
In the 12th minute, Kotoko goalkeeper Mohammed Camara quickly stopped a Golden Kick attempt after Joshua Fuseini's cutback found Dacosta Owusu in the box.
After a strong run on the right, Lord Amoah, who had previously played for Benab FC and Berekum Chelsea, was fouled. Joseph Ablorh headed his accurate free kick back across the goal after he sent it to the far post. To give Kotoko the early lead, Kwame Opoku was in the ideal position to guide it home from close range.
Golden Kick refused to let up and continued to press, eventually winning in the 32nd minute. Bless Ege, a midfielder, scored a fantastic equalizer with a long-range free kick that soared past Camara.
A tactical chess match ensued in the second half as both teams fought for possession of the midfield. After entering the game, Emmanuel Antwi of Kotoko had a significant impact by directing play from deep and almost helping Opoku in the 54th minute, but the attempt was disallowed.
Bless Ege's deft through pass to Joshua Fuseini nearly gave Golden Kick the lead in the last ten minutes, but Kotoko's hopes were preserved by Joseph Ablorh's timely intervention.
The 90th minute was the game's turning point. Referee Latif Adaari pointed to the spot when Kwame Opoku and Golden Kick goalie Kelvin Saaba collided in the box, causing the Golden Kick bench and supporters to erupt in protest. There was a lot of discussion after the game about the penalty call because replays indicated there was little contact.
Opoku calmly converted from the spot to complete his brace and win the match, unfazed by the dispute.
In addition to winning the FA Cup for the tenth time, Asante Kotoko secured their spot in the CAF Confederation Cup for Ghana next season with the 2-1 victory.
The Porcupine Warriors will commemorate a momentous evening that was characterized by tenacity, debate, and, in the end, trophies as the dust settles.
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