Asante Kotoko have won their tenth FA Cup title after a hard-fought 1-2 win over lower-division side Golden Kick FC in what was an epic final at the University of Ghana Stadium at Legon earlier this dusk
It was a very explosive start for both teams in the who made four attacks in the opening five minutes in between them, leaving a very open encounter in the early stages
The game was indeed one with high intensity and aggression in the opening minutes which resulted into a huge collision between Albert Amoah and Paul Yeboah but all players rose back to their feet positively to continue the game
Golden Kick with an opportunity in the 12th minute mark, after Joshua Fuseini's initial cross was cut back to set up Dacosta Owusu at a close range but goalkeeper Mohammed Camara reacted quickly to have it covered
Lord Amoah made a daring run on the right heading towards enemy territory but was brought down for a free kick. The ex- Benab FC and Berekum Chelsea lateral delivered a good free kick to pick up Joseph Ablorh at far post who headed to serve Kwame Opoku, guided into the net at a close range to open the scoring account for Kotoko in the 17th minute
The Blue-Reds never gave up and continued mounting pressure in search of the equaliser which eventually came in the 32nd minute through Bless Ege with a spectacular and well-taken free kick from way out.
Back from recess, both teams bounced back on a good note but it was Henry Ansu who nearly gave away a cheap goal in an attempt to head back to Mohammed Camara but Joshua Fuseini despite that clanger couldn't make it count
Emmanuel Antwi's introduction in the second half really helped in terms of midfield control and his decent long ball in the 54th minute got into a build-up with the final ball falling kindly for Kwame Opoku in the box but was flagged off for offside
Golden Kick broke again in the last ten minutes, Bless Ege did well to spot Joshua Fuseini with a clever mirror pass but the latter unfortunately had his final cross dealt with nicely by Joseph Ablorh
In the 84th minute, the Porcupine Warriors with a huge opportunity to restore their lead but Acquah Amidu from close range had his strike missed the target by inches. That was a chance!
Asante Kotoko awarded a controversial penalty after a challenge between Kwame Opoku and goalkeeper Kelvin Saaba in the 90th minute.
Kwame Opoku stepped up and scored to win the game for Asante Kotoko as it finished 1-2 after full-time.
They have won the FA Cup for the tenth time in their history and will represent Ghana in the 2025/26 CAF Confederations Cup
By: Iddriss Abdul Rahim
