Asante Kotoko clinched their 11th MTN FA Cup title with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over lower-tier side Golden Kick in Sunday’s final at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, securing a return to continental football in the CAF Confederation Cup.
The Porcupine Warriors started the game brightly and took an early lead in the 16th minute when striker Kwame Opoku found the back of the net. The forward latched onto a perfectly delivered free kick from Lord Amoah, guiding a header into the top left corner beyond the reach of the Golden Kick goalkeeper.
Despite Kotoko’s dominance, Golden Kick responded resiliently. Their persistence paid off when Bless Ege capitalised on a defensive lapse to level the score, bringing the game to 1-1 and setting up a tense second half.
Kotoko, spurred on by their experience and attacking firepower, pushed for a winner and looked the more dangerous side throughout the second half. Their efforts were rewarded deep into stoppage time when referee Latif Adaari awarded a controversial penalty following a challenge in the box.
Kwame Opoku stepped up and calmly converted the spot-kick in the 92nd minute, sealing a dramatic brace and sending the Kotoko fans into wild celebration.
The final whistle confirmed a 2-1 victory for Kotoko, handing them their first FA Cup title since 2017 and ending the fairy-tale run of Golden Kick, who impressed many by reaching the final from the lower divisions.
With the win, Asante Kotoko not only added to their rich history with a 10th FA Cup crown but also booked a place in the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup, marking a return to Africa after missing out in recent years.
The triumph is expected to boost morale at the club as they look to rebuild under new head coach Abdul Karim Zito, who will lead the team full-time in the upcoming season.
