... Kwame Opoku nets two beautiful goals

The beauty of the 2024/25 MTN FA Cup final was marred by officials led by referee Selorm Yaw Bless handling the epic match at the Legon UG Sports Stadium last Sunday as they aided Asante Kotoko to beat Golden Kick via a doubtful penalty expertly taken by Kwame Opoku in the 98tg minute.

Supporters of Chorkor Chemuanaa based division one side Golden Kick FC and neutral fans were not happy. so left the venue not interested to watch the presentation of medals and the trophy.

The prestigious FA Cup which is sponsored by telecommunications giant, MTN attracted many fans filling the stands to enjoy the tantalising game exhibited by Golden Kick.

The experienced, fabulous Kumasi Asante Kotoko strikers displayed their expertise in missing after scoring the first goal with a header through Kwame Opoku while their opponents put the ball on the turf and string accurately to find the equaliser with a nice free kick by Bless Ege.

Golden Kick who edged out big clubs like perennial winners Accra Hearts of Oak, Atrram DeVisser and Karela FC were confident and Asante Kotoko who also beat Berekum Chelsea, True Democracy and Sekondi Eleven Wise in the semi, quarter finals and one eighth stage look focused to win and victory came their way.

The Porcupine Warriors took to Oseikrom the trophy, gold medals and cash prize and will represent Ghana at the next CAF Confederations Cup competition.

Coach Abdul Karim Zito of Kotoko was very happy to add to the trophies of the great club after quitting Dreams FC in the season.

"Our opponents got tired as we kept the pressure" he said.

Fiifi Parker Hanson, the Coach / Technical Director of Golden Kick Sporting Club known for his tactical approaches and strategic planning was not a happy man blaming the referee and not his players.

"For me it was not a penalty" he told the media.

The Golden Kick coach commended his boys for showcasing their brand and quality.

Golden kick could not emulate Nania FC, another DOL club that beat Kotoko to win the FA Cup in 2011.

Goalkeeper of Golden Kick was on Social Media expressing his disappointment in the referee as he was looking towards extra time and penalty shootout.

Meanwhile, Kelvin Saaba has sent a humble plea to the leadership of the GFA to assess the performance of the referee.

“The FA should look into this and start doing things right. If this is how we are going to in Ghana, then we won’t go anywhere. We should be sincere to ourselves. The referee spoiled the game. Let the supporters feel the game, even if we are going to extra time, allow them to feel the game. It is not by force to give a win to someone. We play for the fans” he said.

MTN Ghana gave out special packages in refreshments and souvenirs to lucky fans as promised.

Asante Kotoko will face Bibiani Gold Stars, the Ghana Premier League (GPL) winners in the Champion of Champions at a later date.

By Sammy Heywood Okine