Asante Kotoko Win 10th MTN FA Cup Title With Dramatic Late Goal Over Golden Kick FC
Asante Kotoko claimed their 10th MTN FA Cup crown after a tough 2–1 win against lower-division side Golden Kick FC in an enthralling final at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium on Sunday evening.
Played before a full house at Legon, the match was every bit as intense and exciting as expected, with both teams eager and skillful from the very start.
Golden Kick threatened first in the 12th minute when Joshua Fuseini delivered a dangerous cross that was cut back to Dacosta Owusu, whose close-range shot was brilliantly saved by Kotoko’s keeper, Mohammed Camara.
Kotoko took the lead in the 17th minute. After a strong run down the right wing, Lord Amoah earned a free-kick which he expertly swung towards the far post. Joseph Ablorh leapt highest to direct a header into Kwame Opoku’s path, and Opoku calmly slotted the ball home from close range.
Golden Kick, refusing to be discouraged, applied pressure and were rewarded in the 32nd minute. Bless Ege struck a magnificent free-kick from long range, beating Camara and bringing the score level at 1–1.
After the break, both teams pushed for an advantage. A mistake by defender Henry Ansu almost gifted Golden Kick a second goal, but Joshua Fuseini was unable to take advantage of the loose ball. The introduction of Emmanuel Antwi in midfield helped Kotoko gain better control, and in the 54th minute, a clever move involving Antwi saw Opoku find the net, though the goal was ruled out for offside.
The pivotal moment came in the 90th minute when Kotoko were awarded a contentious penalty following a collision between Kwame Opoku and Golden Kick’s goalkeeper Kelvin Saaba. Despite protests from the underdogs, Opoku calmly converted the spot-kick to secure victory for Kotoko.