Bibiani GoldStars head coach Frimpong Manso has hailed his players’ resilience and character after their hard-fought 2-1 victory over Asante Kotoko in the opening match of the 2025 GHALCA Top 4 tournament.
The Ghana Premier League champions stunned the FA Cup holders at the University of Ghana Stadium on Wednesday night, coming from behind to claim all three points.
Kotoko looked the brighter side early on and deservedly took the lead through Albert Amoah in the 16th minute. However, GoldStars quickly hit back when Samuel Attah Kumi converted from the penalty spot three minutes later after Kotoko captain Samba O’Neil mistimed a challenge inside the box.
The decisive moment came in the second half when a defensive mix-up between Henry Ansu and goalkeeper Mohammed Camara resulted in an own goal, sealing GoldStars’ victory.
Reflecting on the result, Frimpong Manso admitted that playing Kotoko in the opening game was a test of his players’ composure and mentality.
“It’s been good for us in terms of motivation because playing a team like Kotoko in your first game puts pressure on you. But once the players managed to deal with that, I believe they will grow in confidence for the next matches,” Manso said.
“For me, it’s not just about the win. I wanted to see how my players would respond on such a big occasion, and they showed character. Of course, there are still mistakes we need to correct, but overall, I’m impressed,” he added.
The victory gives GoldStars a strong start to their preseason campaign as they prepare for their maiden CAF Champions League appearance later this year. Manso, however, insists there is still work to be done if his side is to compete with Africa’s elite.
GoldStars will next face Hearts of Oak on Friday, August 22, while Kotoko will be hoping to bounce back against Heart of Lions on the same day.
