Asante Kotoko Sporting Club have etched their name once again in Ghanaian football history by clinching their tenth MTN FA Cup title following a dramatic 2-1 victory over Division One side Golden Kick FC. The final, played under floodlights at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium in Legon, served as a thrilling spectacle, full of intensity, tactical intrigue, and defining moments that capped the 2024/25 domestic football season.
For Kotoko, the triumph was not only about lifting silverware—it was also about salvaging their season and returning to continental competition, having failed to qualify via the Ghana Premier League. With this win, the Porcupine Warriors will represent Ghana in the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup, bringing renewed optimism to their supporters.
Watch the highlight below:
First Half: A High-Octane Opening
Right from the opening whistle, the match proved to be anything but routine. Both teams approached the contest with tremendous intensity. The first five minutes alone produced four attacks split between the sides, setting the tone for what would be a pulsating encounter. The tempo was frenetic, and neither team looked willing to sit back.
The aggressive nature of the early exchanges led to a worrying collision between Kotoko winger Albert Amoah and Golden Kick defender Paul Yeboah. Fortunately, both players recovered without the need for substitution and resumed their duties on the pitch, a testament to the resilience and determination from both camps.
Golden Kick, despite being underdogs, did not look overawed by the occasion. They carved their first clear opportunity in the 12th minute when Joshua Fuseini whipped in a cross that fell perfectly to Dacosta Owusu inside the box. But Mohammed Camara, Kotoko’s dependable Malian goalkeeper, reacted sharply to smother the effort and keep the score level.
Kotoko Draw First Blood
Kotoko’s breakthrough came in the 17th minute and showcased a well-executed piece of tactical play. Full-back Lord Amoah, showing his usual tenacity, embarked on a purposeful run down the right flank before being brought down near the edge of the box. He then stepped up to deliver a delightful free kick that picked out Joseph Ablorh at the far post. Ablorh’s header was smartly directed into the path of Kwame Opoku, who tapped in from close range to give Kotoko the lead.
The goal was a fine example of coordination and execution under pressure, with all three players involved exhibiting quality and composure. Opoku’s finish was his third in the FA Cup campaign and reaffirmed his importance to the team, especially in high-stakes matches.
Golden Kick Respond With Style
To their credit, Golden Kick did not buckle under the weight of going a goal behind. Instead, they grew in confidence and sustained pressure in the final third. Their perseverance was rewarded in the 32nd minute when they were awarded a free kick in a dangerous area. Bless Ege, who had been instrumental throughout their FA Cup run, stepped up and unleashed a spectacular effort that flew past Camara into the top corner. It was a goal worthy of a cup final and ignited wild celebrations from the underdogs and their supporters.
The remainder of the half remained open, with both sides trading possession and searching for another goal, but the 1-1 scoreline held as the referee blew the whistle for halftime.
Second Half: Missed Chances and Tactical Adjustments
The second period resumed with both teams sticking to their attacking principles, although with more caution given the stakes. Early on, Kotoko almost handed Golden Kick a gift when Henry Ansu’s attempted header back to goalkeeper Camara fell short. Joshua Fuseini pounced on the loose ball but could not capitalise, slicing his shot wide in what could have been a game-changing moment.
Kotoko head coach Abdul Karim Zito, known for his tactical flexibility, made an astute change by bringing on Emmanuel Antwi. The midfielder brought greater control to the centre of the park and linked play more effectively. In the 54th minute, Antwi’s incisive long ball initiated a sweeping move that ended with another opportunity for Kwame Opoku, though the flag went up for offside.
Golden Kick continued to pose problems on the break. In the 80th minute, Bless Ege again turned provider with a clever pass that released Fuseini, but his final delivery was expertly intercepted by Joseph Ablorh, who continued to be a rock in Kotoko’s backline.
Moments later, Peter Amidu Acquah, another standout performer for the Porcupine Warriors, nearly found the winner after a quick break, only to see his close-range strike miss the target by inches. The miss drew gasps from the Kotoko faithful, as the game entered its final nervy moments.
Late Drama: The Decisive Penalty
Just as the game seemed destined for extra time, a moment of controversy tilted the balance. In the 90th minute, Kotoko were awarded a penalty following a contentious challenge involving Kwame Opoku and Golden Kick goalkeeper Kelvin Saaba. Replays suggested minimal contact, but the referee judged it sufficient to award the spot kick.
Despite protests from the Golden Kick bench and players, the decision stood. Opoku, ever composed, stepped up to take responsibility. He converted calmly, sending Saaba the wrong way to give Kotoko a dramatic late lead.
The final whistle followed soon after, with the scoreboard reading Golden Kick 1–2 Asante Kotoko. While the penalty decision may spark debate, there was no denying Kotoko’s determination and experience, which ultimately saw them through in one of the most thrilling FA Cup finals in recent memory.
Tenth FA Cup Title and a Ticket to Africa
The victory marks Asante Kotoko’s tenth FA Cup title, a remarkable achievement that adds to the club’s rich legacy. It is their first FA Cup triumph since 2017, and it also guarantees their participation in the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup, restoring their presence on the continental stage.
Head coach Abdul Karim Zito, under immense pressure throughout the season, was visibly emotional after the match. “This victory means everything. We had a rough league campaign, but the players gave everything for the badge today,” he said. “This is the beginning of a new chapter.”
Golden Kick Exit with Heads Held High
While Golden Kick SC fell short of completing a fairytale run, their performance throughout the tournament—and in the final—earned widespread admiration. They eliminated two Premier League giants en route to the final and pushed Kotoko to the brink. Their rise in the 2024/25 season will undoubtedly elevate their profile and perhaps draw investment and attention to their long-term ambitions.
Conclusion
In a match filled with drama, skill, controversy, and sheer willpower, Asante Kotoko emerged as deserving champions. The FA Cup has always had a unique place in Ghanaian football for its unpredictability and magic, and this final reaffirmed its importance.
As the sun sets on the domestic season, Kotoko fans can look forward to another continental adventure. With a trophy secured and momentum restored, the Porcupine Warriors may have finally turned the corner, ready to challenge for bigger honours both at home and abroad.
