Asante Kotoko emerged victorious in the 2024/25 MTN FA Cup final with a hard-earned 2-1 win over lower-tier side Golden Kick FC at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon, securing their 10th FA Cup trophy in club history.
The final began at a high tempo, with both teams showing attacking intent right from the kickoff. Within just five minutes, there were a series of goal threats at both ends, highlighting the competitive spirit on display. The intensity of the opening minutes resulted in a tough collision between Albert Amoah and Paul Yeboah, but both players showed great character to continue after receiving quick attention.
Golden Kick nearly stunned the favorites in the 12th minute. Joshua Fuseini delivered a clever cross which found Dacosta Owusu inside the box, but Kotoko goalkeeper Mohammed Camara reacted swiftly to stop the attempt.
Kotoko responded with a moment of brilliance in the 17th minute. A surging run down the right by Lord Amoah earned a free kick. Amoah, formerly of Benab FC and Berekum Chelsea, stepped up to deliver an accurate ball to the far post where Joseph Ablorh nodded it across for Kwame Opoku to finish from close range, giving Kotoko the lead.
Despite going behind, Golden Kick refused to fold. They maintained their attacking approach and were rewarded in the 32nd minute. Bless Ege stepped up and struck a sensational free kick from distance, beating Camara to level the score at 1-1. It was a deserved equalizer and showcased their quality on the big stage.
The second half resumed with both sides searching for the winner. Kotoko almost gifted Golden Kick a goal when Henry Ansu’s back-header nearly turned into a costly mistake, but Joshua Fuseini couldn’t take advantage.
Midfielder Emmanuel Antwi was introduced after the break and brought calmness to Kotoko’s play. In the 54th minute, he initiated a promising move that saw Opoku find the net again — but the flag was already up for offside.
Golden Kick kept pressing, and in the final ten minutes, Bless Ege once again created a chance for Fuseini with a well-placed pass, but the final delivery was cleared by Ablorh.
With full time approaching, Kotoko had a golden opportunity in the 84th minute when Acquah Amidu found space in the box, only to fire just wide of the post.
The match was ultimately decided in the 90th minute when Kwame Opoku was brought down in the box after a challenge involving goalkeeper Kelvin Saaba. The referee pointed to the spot, despite protests from Golden Kick. Opoku calmly slotted home the penalty, sealing the win for Kotoko.
The full-time whistle confirmed Asante Kotoko’s 10th FA Cup title, and the club will now represent Ghana in the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup. The victory not only adds to Kotoko’s rich trophy cabinet but also serves as a reminder of their dominance in Ghanaian football.
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