Asante Kotoko Sporting Club, one of Ghana’s most decorated football teams, has presented the 2024/25 FA Cup trophy to the life patron of the club, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, following their triumphant campaign in this season’s competition.
The presentation ceremony took place on Wednesday, June 18, at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, two days after the team’s return from Accra, where they sealed a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Golden Kick FC in the FA Cup final.
The Porcupine Warriors, guided by interim head coach Karim Zito, battled lower-tier side Golden Kick FC on Sunday, June 15, at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium in Legon. Despite being favourites heading into the tie, Kotoko had to dig deep to secure a late victory in front of thousands of fans and dignitaries.
The final started on a bright note for Kotoko, with striker Kwame Opoku opening the scoring in the early stages of the match.
The goal, his fourth in the competition, seemed to settle nerves for the Reds, who had been under pressure to finish the season with silverware.
However, the underdogs from the Division One League side, Golden Kick FC, showed great resilience. Their persistence was rewarded before halftime when Bless Ege stunned the crowd with a sensational free kick that beat Kotoko’s goalkeeper and restored parity.
The teams headed into the break with the score tied at 1-1, and tension growing in both camps. The second half saw both teams create chances, but it was Kotoko who continued to press for a winner.
With extra time looming, the referee awarded a controversial penalty to Kotoko after a Golden Kick defender was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box. The decision sparked protests from Golden Kick players and led to a brief stoppage in play.
Kwame Opoku, however, remained composed and stepped up to take the decisive spot kick. He calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper to complete his brace and hand Kotoko their tenth FA Cup title; a record-equalling achievement that cemented their place in Ghanaian football history.
The win not only brought joy to the fans but also earned the club qualification to the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup, giving them a much-needed return to continental competition after a brief absence.
Visit To The Manhyia Palace
Upon returning to Kumasi on Monday, June 16, the team prepared for a special visit to their spiritual home.
On Wednesday, they visited the Manhyia Palace to officially present the trophy to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene and life patron of the club.
The Kotoko delegation was led by Nana Apinkrah Akwasi Awuah, Chairman of the IMC, who was accompanied by former Ghana captain and current technical director of the club, Kwesi Appiah, and club legend Malik Jabir.
During the brief but significant ceremony, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II expressed his pride in the team’s success, lauding the players and technical team for their commitment and determination throughout the competition.
He particularly praised Kwame Opoku’s leadership on the pitch and urged the entire squad to remain focused as they prepare for their African campaign next season.
Otumfuo also challenged the current leadership of the club to ensure continuity and stability as they look to restore Kotoko’s stature as a continental powerhouse.
He emphasized the importance of proper planning, discipline, and investment in young talent if the club is to succeed in the CAF Confederation Cup.
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