Kumasi Asante Kotoko secured their 10th FA Cup trophy with a dramatic 2-1 win against lower-division side Golden Kick FC in a thrilling final played at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon on Sunday evening.
The decisive moment arrived in the fourth minute (94th) of additional time, when Kotoko were awarded a controversial penalty after a clash between Kwame Opoku and goalkeeper Kelvin Saaba.
Circulating videos of the incident from different angles, so far, show clearly that the centre referee got his decision wrong in such a crucial game and time. This has gotten sports fanatics wondering if that was a human error on the part of the middleman or a deliberate scheme to rob the underdogs.
Kwame Opoku calmly converted from the spot to seal the victory for Kotoko with literally the last kick of the game – a situation that got some supporters agitated and expressing their disagreement vehemently.
Golden Kick, coming into the game as the underdogs, meticulously deployed its full arsenal to hold giants Kotoko at all angles, preventing the Porcupine Warriors from executing what probably seemed like an easy kill.
Kotoko opened the scoring in the 17th minute thanks to Kwame Opoku, who completed a well-executed move sparked by Lord Amoah’s driving run and a pinpoint set-piece.
Golden Kick responded with determination and drew level in the 32nd minute through a brilliant Bless Ege free-kick.
The second half was end-to-end, with both sides creating opportunities. Golden Kicks nearly took the lead early on, making Kotoko pay for a defensive slip but unfortunately missed the final critical touch.
Kotoko’s substitute Emmanuel Antwi brought much-needed control to their midfield and initiated several forward moves in the second half. In the 84th minute, Amidu Acquah came close but missed a great chance.
The brace from forward Kwame Opoku, including the controversial stoppage-time penalty, proved decisive in the fiercely contested final.
The Porcupine Warriors now move within touching distance of their arch-rivals Hearts of Oak, who hold the record with 11 FA Cup triumphs.
Kotoko set to return to continental stage
The Porcupine Warriors secured qualification for the 2025-26 CAF Confederation Cup after edging past Golden Kick FC in a thrilling 2-1 win during the MTN FA Cup final.
The Kumasi-based club has featured in CAF interclub competitions in recent years but have struggled to make a deep impact.
Kotoko’s management and technical team are expected to reinforce the squad during the upcoming transfer window to bolster their chances on the continental front.
However, the current crop of players, blended with experienced campaigners and promising talents, provides a sense of optimism heading into the new campaign.
With Ghanaian football seeking a resurgence in Africa, Kotoko’s presence in the 2025-26 CAF Confederation Cup could play a pivotal role in restoring the nation’s reputation in club football.
Post-match development: GFA charges Golden Kick, head coach over poor conduct
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has formally charged Golden Kick FC and their head coach, Nii Parker Hanson, for separate disciplinary violations following their MTN FA Cup final defeat to Asante Kotoko.
According to a statement from the GFA Disciplinary Committee, Head Coach Nii Parker Hanson is being cited for misconduct due to comments he made after the match, which are believed to have brought the game into disrepute.
The GFA noted that his remarks about the match officials were inappropriate and contravened the Division One League Regulations. Coach Hanson has until Wednesday, June 18, 2025 to respond to the charge.
In a separate matter, Golden Kick FC has also been charged with multiple offences under the GFA Disciplinary Code and Division One League Regulations.
These include accusations that some of the club’s fans threw objects onto the pitch and that the club made social media posts targeting match officials, actions the GFA says damaged the integrity of the competition.
