Swedru All Blacks secured their Ghana Premier League survival in dramatic fashion after fighting back to defeat Asante Kotoko 2-1 at the Baba Yara Stadium on the final day of the 2025/26 season.
The visitors headed into the decisive encounter knowing that a victory would guarantee their safety regardless of results elsewhere, and they rose to the challenge with a spirited comeback performance.
Kotoko appeared in control before the break after Clement Tutu inadvertently turned the ball into his own net to give the Porcupine Warriors a 1-0 lead. At that point, All Blacks were facing the threat of relegation.
However, the visitors responded strongly in the second half. Rudolf Mensah restored parity in the 57th minute before Williams Dankwah completed the turnaround 11 minutes later to stun the home crowd in Kumasi.
Kotoko were handed a lifeline late in the game when they won a penalty, but captain Samba O’Neil failed to convert from the spot as All Blacks held firm to seal a memorable victory.
The result ensured Swedru All Blacks retained their place in the Ghana Premier League after entering the final day with their survival hopes hanging in the balance.
For Asante Kotoko, the defeat capped a disappointing campaign in which they failed to finish inside the top four and ended the season without silverware.
The club also endured instability off the pitch during the campaign, with both Prosper Narteh Ogum and Abdul Karim Zito leaving coaching roles in a turbulent season that fell below supporters’ expectations.
While Kotoko are left to reflect on a frustrating year, Swedru All Blacks will celebrate a famous result that secured another season among Ghana football’s elite.
