Kotoko win MTN FA Cup in last-gasp drama
A hotly contested stoppage-time penalty awarded by referee Selorm Bless Yaw proved decisive as Kumasi Asante Kotoko edged second-tier Golden Kick SC 2-1 to clinch the 2024/25 MTN FA Cup at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon yesterday.
With the match poised at 1-1 and seemingly heading for extra time, the Porcupine Warriors launched a final attack that ended in controversy. Kwame Opoku, Kotoko’s leading marksman, broke through on goal and collided with Golden Kick goalkeeper Kelvin Kofi Saaba inside the penalty box.
Penalty controversy
The referee initially appeared to wave play on, suggesting a clean challenge, but moments later stunned the stadium by pointing to the spot, sparking outrage from Golden Kick players, officials and fans alike.
The play was delayed for several minutes as furious protests ensued. But once calm was restored, Opoku stepped up and coolly sent Saaba the wrong way to fire Kotoko ahead deep into injury time, amid a chorus of boos from the crowd.
The late goal sealed Kotoko’s 10th FA Cup triumph and brought an end to the fairytale run of Golden Kick, who had defied the odds to reach the final from Ghana’s Division One League.
Determined not to suffer another giant killing like their infamous 2011 final loss to Nania FC, Kotoko asserted early dominance with slick possession and quick interchanges.
Golden Kick, however, remained disciplined and dangerous on the break, nearly drawing first blood in the 14th minute when a blistering counter-attack forced a crucial save from Kotoko’s goalkeeper, who required treatment after the clash.
Kotoko responded minutes later, winning a free-kick on the right flank. Lord Amoah delivered a pinpoint ball into the box, which was flicked on by Joseph Ablorh into a packed goalmouth. Amid the scramble, Kwame Opoku rose highest to head home the opener, sending the Kotoko faithful into raptures.
Spirited fight back
But the underdogs refused to lie down. Spurred on by the setback, Golden Kick grew into the game and mounted pressure on the Kotoko defence.
Their efforts paid off in the 30th minute when the impressive Bless Ege curled a sublime free-kick into the top corner, levelling the scores and stunning the Kotoko supporters into silence.
Golden Kick nearly snatched the lead just before half-time, but again the Kotoko shot-stopper was equal to the task.
The second half offered a cagey affair, with both sides probing for an opening. While Kotoko enjoyed more attacking forays, Golden Kick matched them stride for stride, showing composure, organisation and flashes of brilliance on the ball.
As full-time approached, Kotoko missed a golden opportunity to settle the tie. Opoku, once again the architect, glided through midfield and squared to Peter Amidu Acquah, who narrowly missed the target with the keeper beaten. Moments later, Gilbani Dongani Samba skied an effort from close range after a goalmouth scramble.
Just when extra time seemed inevitable, came the game’s most decisive—and debated—moment. Opoku’s darting run and the ensuing contact with Saaba saw referee Yaw reverse his decision and point to the spot, much to the disbelief of Golden Kick.
Opoku, unfazed by the pressure and protests, dispatched the penalty to snatch a dramatic win and deliver the 10th FA Cup to Kotoko while breaking the hearts of the Division One side that had won many admirers throughout the competition.
For Kotoko, it was redemption after failing to win the Premier League title. For Golden Kick, it was heartbreak, but their spirited performance will long be remembered as one of the great FA Cup stories in recent Ghanaian football history.
