Drama, controversy, and fury – the 2025 MTN FA Cup final had it all. While Asante Kotoko lifted the trophy amid wild celebrations, Golden Kick FC head coach Fiifi Parker Hanson was fuming on the touchline and he didn’t hold back.
In a post-match rant dripping with frustration, Hanson claimed his side were robbed on the grandest stage at the hands of poor officiating.
“Our aim was to win the match and make history with Ghana football. We played according to our plan and the boys played amazingly well. We were all determined to win the game!”
The fiery comments came after a heated final at the University of Ghana Stadium in Accra saw Kotoko edge Golden Kick 2-1, but not without controversy.
A highly debatable penalty awarded to Kotoko by referee Selorm Yao Bless in the 90+5th minute sent tempers flaring.
A clear collision between Kotoko's gunman Kwame Opoku and goalkeeper Kelvin Saaba in the box waved away late in the game only added fuel to the fire.
Fiifi Parker was seen animated in the latter stages of the match, and after the final whistle, he didn’t mince words.
“We showed our class, we came in and nobody knew our players, we were underdogs and came in to face these giants and at the end, the referee gave them a win. We are okay because they didn’t score us.”
Social media erupted in the aftermath, with fans split down the middle as Kotoko supporters hailed a hard-fought win, while neutrals and Golden Kick faithful echoed the coach’s sentiments.
“The referee ensured Kotoko won the game,” Parker continued. “This is a silver platter.”
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has opened disciplinary proceedings against Golden Kick FC and coach Parker Hanson over post-match behaviour.
Parker Hanson’s accusations is making waves across local and international media, a storm is brewing in Ghanaian football.
For Kotoko, it’s their 10th FA Cup trophy in the cabinet. For Golden Kick, it's heartbreak and a bitter pill they believe was handed to them by referee Selorm Yao Bless.
By: Pascal Amoah
