A fiercely disputed 90th-minute penalty awarded to Asante Kotoko proved decisive as they edged past Golden Kick SC 2-1 to claim their 10th MTN FA Cup title in dramatic fashion on Sunday night
The spot-kick, converted coolly by Kwame Opoku; his second goal of the match; sparked outrage from the Golden Kick bench, with players and staff vehemently protesting the referee’s decision following a collision between Opoku and goalkeeper Kelvin Saaba.
Until that flashpoint, the underdogs from Division One had matched Kotoko blow for blow in an entertaining final that showcased the spirit of the domestic cup.
Kotoko struck first in the 17th minute. A surging run from Lord Amoah earned a free-kick just outside the box, and his pinpoint delivery was nodded home by Opoku, who showed the kind of instinctive finishing the Porcupine Warriors had relied on all season.
But Golden Kick were not overawed. In the 32nd minute, Bless Ege produced a moment of magic, curling a stunning free-kick into the top corner to level the score and inject belief into the underdog camp.
The second half was end-to-end, with both sides creating chances. Kotoko had nervy spells and could have been punished when Amidu Acquah squandered a glorious opportunity late on, firing wide from close range.
Then came the controversy.
As Opoku chased a through-ball into the area, he appeared to collide with Saaba, who rushed off his line. While replays suggested minimal contact, the referee immediately pointed to the spot.
The decision divided opinion in the stadium, but Opoku remained composed, converting the penalty and sending Kotoko fans into raptures.
The final whistle confirmed Kotoko’s record-extending cup triumph and a return to continental competition via the CAF Confederation Cup. For coach Abdul Karim Zito, it was a defining moment in a season that had been riddled with inconsistencies.
Golden Kick, meanwhile, were left heartbroken but exit the tournament with widespread admiration for their fearless football and giant-killing run to the final.
